carbohydrate

Definition

A sugar, starch, or cellulose that is a food source of energy for an animal or plant.

Etymology

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

Example Sentences

• "These microbes are primarily responsible for breaking down cellulose and other carbohydrates into volatile fatty acids (VFAs)."
• "Oxygen levels on Earth skyrocketed 2.4 billion years ago, when cyanobacteria evolved photosynthesis: the ability to convert water and carbon dioxide into carbohydrates and waste oxygen using solar energy."
• "I'm cutting down on carbohydrates like bread and pasta."