Meaning & Definition of word "Carbohydrate"

Carbohydrate

/ˌkɑːr.boʊˈhaɪ.dreɪt/

1. Any of a large group of organic compounds occurring in foods and living tissues and including sugars, starch, and cellulose, which provide energy and structural support in living organisms.
- Example: Rice and pasta are rich sources of carbohydrates.
2. A substance that is made up of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen, typically in the ratio of 1:2:1.
- Example: Fruits contain natural carbohydrates that are essential for a balanced diet.
3. A dietary component that can be classified as simple or complex based on its chemical structure.
- Example: The nutritionist advised the patient to focus on complex carbohydrates for sustained energy.
4. Any of the sugars or starches found in food that can be converted to glucose and are used by the body as a source of energy.
- Example: After the workout, the athlete consumed a shake high in carbohydrates to replenish lost energy.

●From the French 'hydrate de carbone', literally meaning 'carbon hydrate'.

simple carbohydrates:

Carbohydrates that are quickly absorbed by the body, providing rapid energy.

complex carbohydrates:

Carbohydrates that are made up of longer chains of sugar molecules, providing sustained energy.

low-carb diet:

A dietary approach that restricts carbohydrate intake, often to promote weight loss.

glucose:

A simple sugar that is an important energy source in living organisms.

glycogen:

A multi-branched polysaccharide of glucose that serves as a form of energy storage in animals.

starch:

A carbohydrate consisting of a large number of glucose units joined by glycosidic bonds.

Meaning: carbs

● Example Sentence: I need to cut down on my carbs before summer.

Meaning: carb loading

● Example Sentence: Athletes often do carb loading before a big race.