carbohydrates

noun

1. 1

   (nutrition) A sugar, starch, or cellulose that is a food source of energy for an animal or plant.

   “These microbes are primarily responsible for breaking down cellulose and other carbohydrates into volatile fatty acids (VFAs).”

2. 2

   (by extension, metonym) Any food rich in starch or other carbohydrates.

   “I'm cutting down on carbohydrates like bread and pasta.”