| carbohydrates | A class of aldehyde or ketone derivatives of polyhydric alcohols, particularly of the pentahydric and hexahydric alcohols. They are so named because the hydrogen and oxygen are usually in the proportion to form water, cn(h2o)n. The most important include the small sugars as well as the large starches, glycogens, celluloses, and gums. Carbohydrates with reference to nutrition and diet are dietary carbohydrates. (12 Dec 1998) |
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| carbohydrates and hypoglycaemic agents | A collective term for carbohydrates and agents used to lower the level of glucose in the blood. (12 Dec 1998) |