noun
Uncommon
carbohydrate
kahr-boh-HY-drayt
Carbohydrate (noun) means a sugar, starch or cellulose that gives an animal or plant energy. Example: “Bread, rice and pasta are all rich in carbohydrate.”
noun
1
A sugar, starch or cellulose that gives an animal or plant energy.
"Bread, rice and pasta are all rich in carbohydrate."
"Plants store carbohydrate in the form of starch."
"Runners often eat a carbohydrate-heavy meal the night before a race."
2
colloquial Any food that contains a lot of starch or sugar.
"I try to have fewer carbohydrates with my evening meal."
"Potatoes are the main carbohydrate on the plate."
How to use carbohydrate
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA food substance such as sugar or starch that gives the body energy.
When to use it
In everyday talk people often shorten it to carb.
Memory tip
It is a countable noun in general talk about foods, but is often used without an article when speaking of the substance.
Trace the full origin ↓
Common pairings
complex carbohydrate
refined carbohydrate
carbohydrate intake
low-carbohydrate diet
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Bread, rice and pasta are all rich in _____.
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.
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Rhymes for carbohydrate
See all rhymes for 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.
What is the meaning of carbohydrate?
"carbohydrate" (noun) means a sugar, starch or cellulose that gives an animal or plant energy.
