Definition

A type of organic compound that includes sugars and starches, which provide energy in our diet. These compounds are made by plants and consist of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen.

Example

Bread and pasta are rich in carbohydrates, which give us energy.

Conversation

Have you ever thought about how important carbohydrates are in our diet?

Definitely! They give us the energy we need for daily activities.

I read that they come from plants and are a major energy source.

That's right! It's interesting how carbohydrates are in so many foods we eat.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Carbohydrate → It is formed from "carbo-" (from Latin "carbo", meaning coal or carbon) and "hydra-" (from Greek "hydor", meaning water) and "-ate" (a suffix used in chemistry to denote a compound). The word "carbohydrate" refers to a compound made of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen, typically in the form of sugars and starches.

Memory Tip

Think of 'carbon' ('carbo-') combined with 'water' ('hydra-') to remember that carbohydrates are compounds made of carbon and water.

Visually Confused Words