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

Jellyfish have long been used for wound healing, and its collagen peptides and polysaccharides promote cell migration and proliferation. —Tanya Benedicto Klich, Forbes, 3 Dec. 2024

Infused with a complex of peptides, spermidine, and barrier polysaccharides, the formulation strengthens the skin barrier. —Jenny Berg, Vogue, 24 Nov. 2024

Here’s the science: Potato starch is made up of long strands of carbohydrates, called polysaccharides. —Mary Claire Britton, Southern Living, 22 Nov. 2024

Chitin, a complex sugar polysaccharide, is converted into its derivative, chitosan. —Alexandra Harrell, Sourcing Journal, 3 Sep. 2019

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary

First Known Use

1892, in the meaning defined above

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