/kahr'boh huy"drayt, -beuh-/ , n.
any of a class of organic compounds that are polyhydroxy aldehydes or polyhydroxy ketones, or change to such substances on simple chemical transformations, as hydrolysis, oxidation, or reduction, and that form the supporting tissues of plants and are important food for animals and people.
[ 1865-70; CARBO- + HYDRATE ]