Carbohydrates Meaning and Definition

Pronunciation

/ˈkærboh-raɪ-trəts/ 🔊

Part of Speech

Noun, Chem.

Definition

A type of organic compound consisting of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen atoms, typically found in food and serving as a primary source of energy for the human body.

Examples

• The complex carbohydrates in whole grains provide sustained energy.
• Carbohydrates are the body’s primary source of energy.

Synonyms

• Sugar
• Fiber

Antonyms

• Fat
• Protein

Additional Information

Carbohydrates are the body’s primary source of energy, providing sustenance for the brain, heart, and muscles. They can be classified into simple and complex forms, with simple carbohydrates including sugars like glucose and fructose, while complex carbohydrates include starches and fibers. A balanced diet includes a mix of carbohydrates from various sources, such as whole grains, fruits, and vegetables.

Carbohydrates play a crucial role in maintaining good health, particularly in the regulation of blood sugar levels. A low-carbohydrate diet, often used for weight loss or management, involves reducing the intake of carbohydrates to promote weight loss and improve insulin sensitivity.

Etymology

The term “carbohydrate” was coined in 1890 by French chemist Antoine Bechamp, derived from the French words “carbone” (carbon) and “hydrate” (water).

Usage Notes

In scientific contexts, carbohydrates are often abbreviated as “carbs” or “CHO” (carbohydrate, hydrogen, and oxygen). In culinary settings, carbohydrates are referred to as “starchy foods” or “carb-rich foods.”

Cultural References

Carbohydrates have been celebrated in various forms of media, including films like “What the Health” (2017) and cookbooks like “The Carbohydrate Addict’s Diet” (1995).

Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases

• “Raining sugar” (idiom, referring to the abundance of carbohydrates)

Related Words or Phrases

• Fiber
• Sugar
• Glucose

Collocations

• “Complex carbohydrates”
• “Simple carbohydrates”
• “High-carb diet”

Frequency of Use

Carbohydrates are a common term in scientific, culinary, and everyday language, with an estimated frequency of use of 0.03% in the English language.

Common Misspellings

• Carabohydrates
• Carbhydrates
• Cerbohydrates