Definition

A type of carbohydrate that breaks down into three simple sugars when it is processed by water.

Example

Raffinose is an example of a trisaccharide found in beans and other vegetables.

Conversation

Have you ever heard of a trisaccharide?

No, I haven't! What is it exactly?

It's a type of carbohydrate that breaks down into three monosaccharides.

That sounds interesting! I didn't know there were different types of sugars.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Trisaccharide → It is formed from "tri-" (meaning three) and "saccharum" (from Greek "sakkharon", meaning sugar). The word "trisaccharide" refers to a carbohydrate composed of three sugar molecules linked together.

Memory Tip

Think of 'tri-' meaning three and 'saccharide' relating to sugar — so a trisaccharide is a sugar made up of three sugar units.

Visually Confused Words