polysaccharide

noun

poly·​sac·​cha·​ride ˌpä-lē-ˈsa-kə-ˌrīd How to pronounce polysaccharide (audio)
: 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 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 In nature, scales of chitin (a polysaccharide common to insects), for example, are arranged like roof tiles. Andrew Cunningham, Ars Technica, 18 Sep. 2023 Mushroom fruiting bodies provide the vast majority of the polysaccharides, beta-glucans, minerals and all the other beneficial compounds that are neuroprotective, support the immune system and make fungi so good for us. Robert Johnson, Rolling Stone, 22 Nov. 2023 These chains are called oligosaccharides or polysaccharides. Delaney Nothaft, USA TODAY, 16 June 2023 Here is an overview of some of the many core ingredients present in Cortexi: Panax Ginseng Panax ginseng contains several active ingredients that are believed to contribute to its health benefits, including ginsenosides, polysaccharides, and polyacetylenes. Discover Magazine, 29 Apr. 2023 NusaPure Red Marine Algae is derived from the clean waters off the coast of Iceland and is a natural source of sulfated polysaccharides, which are believed to positively impact the immune system. Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 6 June 2023 Pectin is a polysaccharide contained in plant tissue [7]. Ashton Yoon, Discover Magazine, 1 Aug. 2017 Both fungi and insects use the polysaccharide chitin to build cell walls, while plants use cellulose. Eleanor McCrary, USA TODAY, 27 Feb. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'polysaccharide.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary

First Known Use

1892, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of polysaccharide was in 1892

Dictionary Entries Near polysaccharide

Cite this Entry

“Polysaccharide.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/polysaccharide. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

polysaccharide

noun
poly·​sac·​cha·​ride ˈpäl-i-ˈsak-ə-ˌrīd How to pronounce polysaccharide (audio)
: 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 How to pronounce polysaccharide (audio)
: 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

More from Merriam-Webster on polysaccharide

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