Definition of "carbohydrate" in English

noun

1. (organic chemistry, nutrition) A sugar, starch, or cellulose that is a food source of energy for an animal or plant.

   • These microbes are primarily responsible for breaking down cellulose and other carbohydrates into volatile fatty acids (VFAs).

2. (colloquial, by extension, metonymic) Any food rich in starch or other carbohydrates.

   • I'm cutting down on carbohydrates like bread and pasta.