Carbohydrate
- Pronunciation
- /kar-bo-HY-drayt/
- Category
- Nutrition
- Singular
- Carbohydrate
- Plural
- Carbohydrates
Definition
A general term for neutral chemical compounds containing carbon, hydrogen and oxygen, typically in a ratio of C:H:O = 1:2:1. These compounds are often used as a primary energy source by insects.
Etymology
From Greek 'carbon' and 'hydrate', meaning 'water'.
Example
Carbohydrates are essential for providing energy to insect flight muscles.
Related Terms
- Glucose
- Fructose
- Sucrose
- Starch
- Dextrin
- Cellulose