polysaccharide

noun

poly·​sac·​cha·​ride ˌpä-lē-ˈsa-kə-ˌrīd 

: a carbohydrate that can be decomposed by hydrolysis into two or more molecules of monosaccharides

especially : one (such as cellulose, starch, or glycogen) containing many monosaccharide units and marked by complexity

Examples of polysaccharide in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Like the shampoo, the conditioner is infused with the K18 peptide, which is then tag-teamed with moisturizing ceramides and polysaccharides for super soft post-shower hair. —Jennifer Hussein, Allure, 4 July 2024

Studies have identified over 75 compounds, including polysaccharides, vitamins, minerals, enzymes and seven essential amino acids, in the remaining 4 percent, as well as its anti-inflammatory, anti-viral and antiseptic effects. —Karla Marie Sanford, Washington Post, 3 July 2024

In nature, scales of chitin (a polysaccharide common to insects) are arranged like roof tiles. —Jennifer Ouellette, Ars Technica, 30 May 2023

This process enhances the body's capacity to expel toxins, preventing damage to joint tissues, while our beta-glucans, polysaccharides, and other beneficial constituents empower the body for faster repair and flourishing. —Charlotte Observer, 24 Jan. 2024

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary

First Known Use

1892, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

polysaccharide

noun

poly·​sac·​cha·​ride ˈpäl-i-ˈsak-ə-ˌrīd 

: a carbohydrate that can be broken down into two or more small sugar molecules

Medical Definition

polysaccharide

noun

poly·​sac·​cha·​ride -ˈsak-ə-ˌrīd 

: a carbohydrate that can be decomposed by hydrolysis into two or more molecules of monosaccharides

especially : one (as cellulose, starch, or glycogen) containing many monosaccharide units and marked by complexity

called also glycan