An Etymological Dictionary of Astronomy and Astrophysics

A molecular compound made from just three → chemical elements: → carbon, → hydrogen, and → oxygen. Carbohydrates have the general molecular formula C_xH_2yO_y, and thus were once thought to represent “hydrated carbon.” However, the arrangement of atoms in carbohydrates has little to do with → water molecules. Carbohydrates are a source of energy for the body. They include sugars, starches, cellulose and many other compounds found in living organisms. In their basic form, carbohydrates are simple sugars or monosaccharides.

See also: → carbo-; → hydrate.