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complex carbohydrate
noun
: a polysaccharide (such as starch or cellulose) consisting of usually hundreds or thousands of monosaccharide units
also
: a food (such as rice or pasta) composed primarily of such polysaccharides
Examples of complex carbohydrate in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The habits implemented by the participants: Diet: A vegan diet rich in complex carbohydrates and whole foods, such as fruits, vegetables, soy products, nuts, and seeds.
—Leo Schwartz, Fortune Well, 7 June 2024
Potatoes are largely made of complex carbohydrates, which take longer to digest and give more lasting energy than simple sugars.
—Clare Mulroy, USA TODAY, 7 Apr. 2024
Then a quarter of your plate should be for complex carbohydrates that are fiber-rich, such as quinoa or potatoes.
—Jocelyn Solis-Moreira, CNN, 10 Mar. 2024
Combining complex carbohydrates with protein and fat is the best recipe for satiety and success, experts previously told USA TODAY.
—Clare Mulroy, USA TODAY, 18 Feb. 2024
Diets rich in lean proteins, healthy fats, and complex carbohydrates are generally beneficial for dogs with cancer.
—Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 31 Aug. 2023
The meals contain a balance of fruits and vegetables, healthy fats, complex carbohydrates and lean meats.
—Carlos Frías, Miami Herald, 30 Jan. 2024
Eat a Clean Diet Eating foods like lean proteins, fiber-rich vegetables, leafy greens, complex carbohydrates, and whole grains can help regulate your metabolism, balance blood sugar, and regulate your appetite.
—Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 23 Sep. 2023
The tortillas are high in complex carbohydrates, integral for maintaining energy.
—Byalexa Mikhail, Fortune Well, 18 Sep. 2023
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'complex carbohydrate.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
First Known Use
1938, in the meaning defined above
Time Traveler
The first known use of complex carbohydrate was
in 1938
Dictionary Entries Near complex carbohydrate
Cite this Entry
“Complex carbohydrate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/complex%20carbohydrate. Accessed 17 Jun. 2024.
Medical Definition
complex carbohydrate
noun
: a polysaccharide (as starch or cellulose) consisting of usually hundreds or thousands of monosaccharide units
also
: a food (as rice or pasta) composed primarily of such polysaccharides
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