disaccharide: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2 (Specialist)Technical/Scientific
Quick answer
What does “disaccharide” mean?
A sugar composed of two monosaccharide molecules linked together.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A sugar composed of two monosaccharide molecules linked together.
A carbohydrate that yields two monosaccharide molecules upon hydrolysis; a fundamental unit in carbohydrate chemistry and nutrition.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical differences; identical technical usage.
Connotations
Neutral scientific term in both dialects.
Frequency
Equally rare in general conversation; used exclusively in scientific/medical/nutrition contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “disaccharide” in a Sentence
Disaccharide + such as + [example]Disaccharide + composed of + [monosaccharides]Disaccharide + found in + [source]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “disaccharide” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The disaccharide content of the syrup was analysed.
- Disaccharide digestion can be impaired.
American English
- They measured the disaccharide level in the sample.
- Disaccharide metabolism is a key process.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Academic
Essential in biochemistry, nutrition, and food science papers.
Everyday
Virtually never used in casual conversation.
Technical
Core term in chemistry, biology, medicine, and food labelling.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “disaccharide”
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “disaccharide”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “disaccharide”
- Mispronouncing as 'di-sack-a-ride'.
- Confusing with monosaccharide or polysaccharide.
- Using in non-scientific contexts.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Sucrose (table sugar), lactose (milk sugar), and maltose (malt sugar).
A monosaccharide is a single sugar unit (e.g., glucose), while a disaccharide is two monosaccharides linked together.
Primarily in scientific textbooks, research articles, nutritional information, and medical discussions about digestion.
Yes, you can refer to 'a disaccharide' (singular) or 'disaccharides' (plural) in general.
A sugar composed of two monosaccharide molecules linked together.
Disaccharide is usually technical/scientific in register.
Disaccharide: in British English it is pronounced /daɪˈsækəraɪd/, and in American English it is pronounced /daɪˈsækəˌraɪd/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'DI' (two) + 'SACCHARIDE' (sugar) = a two-part sugar.
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is NOT a disaccharide?