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

Nutritionally, both almond butter and peanut butter have similar amounts of calories, protein, carbohydrates, potassium, and zinc per serving. —Margaux Anbouba, Vogue, 24 Nov. 2024

Both diets contained the same number of total calories, sugars, fiber, fat, salt and carbohydrates, so Hall expected the food and drink to have a similar impact on the bodies of the 20 volunteers — but that’s not what happened. —Sandee Lamotte, CNN, 22 Nov. 2024

The sodium and carbohydrates help the body hold onto more water for rapid rehydration. —Isabel Vasquez Rd Ldn, Verywell Health, 19 Nov. 2024

Tree sap contains mostly carbohydrates/sugars and water, with more dilute dissolved nutrients and proteins. —Miri Talabac, Baltimore Sun, 7 Nov. 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