carbohydrate

Pronunciation: /kɑːɹboʊˈhaɪdɹeɪt/

Estimated CEFR level: C2 — Proficiency

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

  1. noun an essential structural component of living cells and source of energy for animals; includes simple sugars with small molecules as well as macromolecular substances; are classified according to the number of monosaccharide groups they contain

Etymology

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

In classic literature

Synonyms

saccharide, sugar

Semantic network

Broader (hypernyms)
macromolecule
Narrower (hyponyms)
beet sugar, ribose, wood sugar, oligosaccharide, invert sugar, deoxyribose

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