Definition of "saccharide" in English

noun

1. (biochemistry) The unit structure of carbohydrates, of general formula CₙH₂ₙOₙ. Either the simple sugars or polymers such as starch and cellulose. The saccharides exist in either a ring or short chain conformation, and typically contain five or six carbon atoms.

   • Holonyms: monosaccharide, oligosaccharide, polysaccharide