carbohydrate

Etymology

From their general formula C_n(H₂O)_n; they were once thought to be hydrates of carbon.

Pronunciation

• (Received Pronunciation) IPA^(key): /kɑːbəʊˈhaɪdɹeɪt/
• (US) IPA^(key): /kɑːɹboʊˈhaɪdɹeɪt/

• Audio (US)

  (file)

Noun

carbohydrate (plural carbohydrates)

1. (organic chemistry, nutrition) A sugar, starch, or cellulose that is a food source of energy for an animal or plant; a saccharide.

   These microbes are primarily responsible for breaking down cellulose and other carbohydrates into volatile fatty acids (VFAs).

   • 2013 September-October, Katie L. Burke, “In the News”, in American Scientist:

     Oxygen levels on Earth skyrocketed 2.4 billion years ago, when cyanobacteria evolved photosynthesis: the ability to convert water and carbon dioxide into carbohydrates and waste oxygen using solar energy.

2. (nutrition) a food rich in starch or other carbohydrates

   I'm cutting down on carbohydrates like bread and pasta.