polysaccharide

noun

poly·​sac·​cha·​ride ˌpä-lē-ˈsa-kə-ˌrīd 

: a carbohydrate that can be decomposed by hydrolysis into two or more molecules of monosaccharides

especially : one (such as cellulose, starch, or glycogen) containing many monosaccharide units and marked by complexity

Examples of polysaccharide in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Boosts the immune system Aloe vera is a bomb of essential nutrients like zinc, magnesium, and polysaccharides that strengthen the immune system, helping the body fight infection and disease. —Sofía Esquivel, Glamour, 11 Feb. 2025

Complex carbohydrates are long-chain molecules and include polysaccharides, starch, and fiber. —Allison Herries, Verywell Health, 4 Jan. 2025

Made from sustainable sources—like castor beans, oils and polysaccharides—BioCirFlex biodegrades into renewable biomass when composted in industrial facilities or can be recycled for continuous use. —Alexandra Harrell, Sourcing Journal, 8 Jan. 2025

GAGs are vital polysaccharides that contribute significantly to the structural and functional integrity of the body's tissues and organs. —Tanya Benedicto Klich, Forbes, 3 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary

First Known Use

1892, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for polysaccharide

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

Kids Definition

polysaccharide

noun

poly·​sac·​cha·​ride ˈpäl-i-ˈsak-ə-ˌrīd 

: a carbohydrate that can be broken down into two or more small sugar molecules

Medical Definition

polysaccharide

noun

poly·​sac·​cha·​ride -ˈsak-ə-ˌrīd 

: a carbohydrate that can be decomposed by hydrolysis into two or more molecules of monosaccharides

especially : one (as cellulose, starch, or glycogen) containing many monosaccharide units and marked by complexity

called also glycan