carbohydrate

noun

car·​bo·​hy·​drate ˌkär-bō-ˈhī-ˌdrāt How to pronounce carbohydrate (audio)
-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 Multiple analyses revealed the presence of carbohydrates and fat. Popular Science, 7 Mar. 2024 That ranking went to guys who ate lots of carbohydrates. Susanne Rust, Los Angeles Times, 1 Mar. 2024 The McDonald’s Canada website lists the Double Big Mac at 740 calories; 44 grams of fat, 16 of which are saturated fat; and 48 grams of carbohydrates. Bill Goodykoontz, The Arizona Republic, 23 Feb. 2024 To treat a low blood glucose between 70 mg/dL and 55 mg/dL, most medical professionals recommend using the 15-15 rule: Consume 15 grams of fast-acting carbohydrates like juice, sugar soda (not diet), and/or glucose tablets, gels, or liquids, then test again in 15 minutes. Jordyn Bradley, Fortune Well, 2 Feb. 2024 Sugar molecules are carbohydrates, which the body breaks down into blood sugar or glucose, the main energy source for the body’s cells, tissues, and organs. Emily Mullin, WIRED, 23 Feb. 2024 For other evergreens, like boxwoods and hollies, removing the branch tip or even cutting branches back drastically will force a buildup of growth hormone and carbohydrate energy reserves into the dormant buds beneath the cutoff point. Miri Talabac, Baltimore Sun, 15 Feb. 2024 Fermented Foods & Beverages The process of fermentation involves the break down of carbohydrates, including sugar and starch by bacteria and yeast to produce acids or alcohol. Daphne Ewing-Chow, Forbes, 14 Feb. 2024 Leaves are busy using the sun’s energy to create carbohydrates, fuel for themselves, and the animals that eat them. Charlotte Observer, 1 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'carbohydrate.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1851, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of carbohydrate was in 1851

Dictionary Entries Near carbohydrate

Cite this Entry

“Carbohydrate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/carbohydrate. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

carbohydrate

noun
car·​bo·​hy·​drate ˌkär-bō-ˈhī-ˌdrāt How to pronounce carbohydrate (audio)
-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 How to pronounce carbohydrate (audio)
: 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

More from Merriam-Webster on carbohydrate

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