monosaccharide

noun

mono·​sac·​cha·​ride ˌmä-nə-ˈsa-kə-ˌrīd How to pronounce monosaccharide (audio)
: 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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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 Try a Low-FODMAP Diet FODMAP is short for fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides, and polyols. Karen Pallarito, Health, 12 May 2024

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary

First Known Use

1895, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of monosaccharide was in 1895

Dictionary Entries Near monosaccharide

Cite this Entry

“Monosaccharide.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/monosaccharide. Accessed 18 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

monosaccharide

noun
mono·​sac·​cha·​ride ˌmän-ə-ˈsak-ə-ˌrīd How to pronounce monosaccharide (audio)
: 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 How to pronounce monosaccharide (audio)
: a sugar not decomposable to simpler sugars by hydrolysis

called also simple sugar

More from Merriam-Webster on monosaccharide

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!