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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Pea peptides and jackfruit polysaccharides join the mix to boost hydration and encourage airy lift, minus the frizz. — Michelle Rostamian, Allure, 27 Feb. 2026 Starch, also called amylose and amylopectin, is a polysaccharide with glucose molecules that are linked using alpha bonds. — Julie Pollock, The Conversation, 1 May 2026 Spaghetti squash contains polysaccharides, a type of indigestible fiber that may help prevent blood sugar from rising after eating. — Heather Jones, Verywell Health, 16 Apr. 2026 The soluble fiber in oats, particularly the polysaccharide beta-glucan, forms a viscous gel in the digestive tract. — Lauren Manaker Ms, Health, 22 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for polysaccharide

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

Rhymes for polysaccharide

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Browse Nearby Words

polyribosome
polysaccharide
polysaccharose
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Polysaccharide.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/polysaccharide. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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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

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about polysaccharide

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