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 sugar-free Oreo cookies are sweetened with maltitol (a sugar alcohol), polydextrose (a complex carbohydrate made from glucose), sucralose (a zero-calorie sugar substitute) and Ace-K (a zero-calorie artificial sweetener), per the Oreo website. —Marina Johnson, Louisville Courier Journal, 10 Dec. 2025

Instead, the key is to pair complex carbohydrates with nutrients that help regulate blood sugar, such as healthful fats, protein, and fiber. —Abby Norman, Verywell Health, 1 Dec. 2025

My two greatest enemies, Ross — Rachel Green and complex carbohydrates.'' Amy Green (Christina Applegate, who won an Emmy for her guest spot here) shows up. —Gretchen Hansen, Entertainment Weekly, 27 Nov. 2025

Boosts Energy Corn is a complex carbohydrate. —Lindsey Desoto, Health, 30 Oct. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1938, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for complex carbohydrate

• acetoacetate
• macroinvertebrate
• oxaloacetate
• phosphoenolpyruvate
• abate
• airfreight
• await
• baseplate
• berate
• birthdate
• birthrate
• bookplate

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