carbohydrate

noun

car·​bo·​hy·​drate ˌkär-bō-ˈhī-ˌdrāt 

-drət

: any of various neutral compounds of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen (such as sugars, starches, and celluloses) most of which are formed by green plants and which constitute a major class of animal foods

Examples of carbohydrate in a Sentence

a food that is low in protein but high in carbohydrate

Recent Examples on the Web

The average glass of orange juice has around 36 grams of carbohydrates or about nine teaspoons of sugar. —Michelle Pugle, Verywell Health, 10 Dec. 2024

Unlike traditional potatoes, which are richer in simple starch, sweet potatoes contain a type of carbohydrate that is digested more slowly, helping to keep blood sugar levels stable. —Veronica Cristino, Vogue, 10 Dec. 2024

In comparison to all purpose flour, this particular flour combination is lower in carbohydrates, and higher in fiber and protein. —Caroline C. Boyle, USA TODAY, 10 Dec. 2024

In turn, rinsing this away may help get rid of some of those gas-causing carbohydrates. —Christina Manian, Health, 5 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1851, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing carbohydrate

• complex carbohydrate

Kids Definition

carbohydrate

noun

car·​bo·​hy·​drate ˌkär-bō-ˈhī-ˌdrāt 

-drət

: any of various compounds of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen (as sugars, starches, or celluloses) most of which are formed by plants and are a major animal food

Medical Definition

carbohydrate

noun

car·​bo·​hy·​drate -ˌdrāt, -drət 

: any of various neutral compounds of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen (as sugars, starches, and celluloses) most of which are formed by green plants and which constitute a major class of animal foods