carbohydrates
n. C / Un. substances found in foods like bread, rice, and fruit that give your body energy. They are one of the main parts of a healthy diet.
n. organic compounds occurring in foods and living tissues, including sugars, starch, and cellulose. They contain hydrogen and oxygen in the same ratio as water and typically break down to release energy in the animal body.
Pasta and potatoes are high in carbohydrates.
Athletes often eat a meal rich in carbohydrates before a big race to ensure they have enough energy to finish.
While simple carbohydrates provide a quick burst of energy, complex varieties found in whole grains take longer to digest and offer a more sustained release of glucose into the bloodstream.
Usually plural when referring to food groups or nutrition; the singular form is used in technical chemical contexts.