carbohydrate
3 synonyms for carbohydrate, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A sugar, starch or cellulose that gives an animal or plant energy.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
carb
saccharide
How to use carbohydrate
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
complex carbohydrate
refined carbohydrate
carbohydrate intake
low-carbohydrate diet
In everyday talk people often shorten it to carb.
Etymology
The word comes from the general chemical formula Cn(H2O)n. These substances were once thought to be hydrates of carbon, which is how the name arose.
Full origin of carbohydrate →Frequently asked questions
What is a carbohydrate?
A carbohydrate is a sugar, starch or cellulose that serves as a source of energy for animals and plants.
Why is it called a carbohydrate?
The name comes from the general formula Cn(H2O)n. Such substances were once thought to be hydrates of carbon.
What is the informal word for carbohydrate?
The informal short form is carb, as in a low-carb diet.
