CARBOHYDRATE

carbohydrate, saccharide, sugar

(noun) an essential structural component of living cells and source of energy for animals; includes simple sugars with small molecules as well as macromolecular substances; are classified according to the number of monosaccharide groups they contain

Source: WordNet® 3.1


Etymology

From their general formula Cn(H2O)n; they were once thought to be hydrates of carbon.

Noun

carbohydrate (plural carbohydrates)

(organic chemistry, nutrition) A sugar, starch, or cellulose that is a food source of energy for an animal or plant.

Synonyms: carb (informal), saccharide, Thesaurus:carbohydrate

(colloquial, by extension, metonym) Any food rich in starch or other carbohydrates.

Source: Wiktionary


Car`bo*hy"drate, n. Etym: [Carbon + hydrate.] (Physiol. Chem.)

Definition: One of a group of compounds including the sugars, starches, and gums, which contain six (or some multiple of six) carbon atoms, united with a variable number of hydrogen and oxygen atoms, but with the two latter always in proportion as to form water; as dextrose, C6H12O6.

Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition



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Word of the Day

20 April 2025

SALAD

(noun) food mixtures either arranged on a plate or tossed and served with a moist dressing; usually consisting of or including greens


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