monosaccharide

noun

mono·​sac·​cha·​ride ˌmä-nə-ˈsa-kə-ˌrīd 

: a sugar that is not decomposable into simpler sugars by hydrolysis, is classed as either an aldose or ketose, and contains one or more hydroxyl groups per molecule

called also simple sugar

Examples of monosaccharide in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

These carbohydrates are called FODMAPs (fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides, and polyols). —Amber J. Tresca, Verywell Health, 14 Jan. 2025

Protects Gut and Digestive Health Foods that are low in FODMAPs (fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides and polyols—carbohydrates that are difficult for the body to digest) are ideal for protecting gut health. —Cristina Mutchler, Verywell Health, 5 Dec. 2024

For instance, apples are not recommended for people on a low-FODMAP diet (eating plan low in fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides, and polyols, which are types of short-chain carbohydrates that the small intestine does not readily absorb). —Brittany Lubeck, Ms, Rdn, Verywell Health, 28 Oct. 2024

All carbohydrates break down into monosaccharides in the body, which are easily absorbed and immediately used for energy.1 Disaccharides are carbohydrates made of two monosaccharides bonded together. —Jillian Kubala, Health, 16 Oct. 2024

Restricting certain carbohydrates, especially fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides and polyols (FODMAPs), which are poorly absorbed by the small intestine, is seen as an effective treatment option. —New Atlas, 25 Oct. 2024

The simplest carbohydrates are monosaccharides (simple sugars), made from just one sugar unit. —Jillian Kubala, Health, 16 Oct. 2024

For gas and bloating, consider limiting foods that contain high amounts of FODMAPs, which stands for fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides, and polyols. —Patricia Weiser, Pharmd, Verywell Health, 2 Oct. 2024

Most fruits contain some fructose, a monosaccharide (single sugar molecule) considered a natural sugar. —Jamie Johnson, Verywell Health, 11 July 2024

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary

First Known Use

1895, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for monosaccharide

• acetaldehyde
• acetanilide
• arabinoside
• cycloheximide
• cyclophosphamide
• diethylamide
• dinucleotide
• ferricyanide
• ferrocyanide
• glutaraldehyde
• glyceraldehyde
• hydroperoxide

Kids Definition

monosaccharide

noun

mono·​sac·​cha·​ride ˌmän-ə-ˈsak-ə-ˌrīd 

: a sugar that cannot be split into simpler sugars

called also simple sugar

Medical Definition

monosaccharide

noun

mono·​sac·​cha·​ride ˌmän-ə-ˈsak-ə-ˌrīd 

: a sugar not decomposable to simpler sugars by hydrolysis

called also simple sugar