monosaccharide: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Technical, Academic
Quick answer
What does “monosaccharide” mean?
A simple sugar that cannot be hydrolysed into simpler sugars.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A simple sugar that cannot be hydrolysed into simpler sugars.
The most basic unit of carbohydrates, consisting of a single sugar molecule like glucose or fructose, which serves as the building block for more complex carbohydrates.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical or grammatical differences. The term is used identically in both scientific registers.
Connotations
Neutral scientific term in both varieties.
Frequency
Exclusively used in scientific, nutritional, and biochemical contexts. No notable frequency difference between UK and US English.
Grammar
How to Use “monosaccharide” in a Sentence
monosaccharide + such as + [glucose/fructose]monosaccharide + is + a + building blockmonosaccharide + consisting of + [number] carbon atomsVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “monosaccharide” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The monosaccharide composition was analysed.
- It has a simple monosaccharide structure.
American English
- The monosaccharide content was tested.
- We identified a monosaccharide transporter.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in the context of food labeling or nutritional supplement marketing.
Academic
Common in biochemistry, nutrition, biology, and food science texts and lectures.
Everyday
Very rare. In everyday contexts, 'simple sugar' or the specific sugar name (e.g., glucose) is used.
Technical
The standard term in biochemistry, physiology, and nutritional science.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “monosaccharide”
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “monosaccharide”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “monosaccharide”
- Misspelling as 'monosaccaride' or 'monosacharride'.
- Using it in non-scientific contexts where it sounds overly technical.
- Confusing with 'disaccharide' (e.g., sucrose) or 'polysaccharide' (e.g., starch).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, glucose is a hexose monosaccharide and one of the most important simple sugars in biology.
Carbohydrate is a broad category that includes monosaccharides (simple sugars), disaccharides (two linked sugars), and polysaccharides (long chains of sugars). A monosaccharide is the smallest unit.
Yes. Common dietary monosaccharides include glucose (in honey, fruits) and fructose (in fruits, honey, high-fructose corn syrup).
It is a precise biochemical term. In everyday language, people use 'simple sugar' or the specific name like 'glucose'. Using 'monosaccharide' outside scientific contexts can sound overly formal.
A simple sugar that cannot be hydrolysed into simpler sugars.
Monosaccharide is usually technical, academic in register.
Monosaccharide: in British English it is pronounced /ˌmɒnə(ʊ)ˈsækəraɪd/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌmɑːnoʊˈsækəraɪd/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think 'MONO' (one) + 'SACCHARIDE' (sugar). It's a ONE-sugar molecule.
Conceptual Metaphor
BUILDING BLOCK (monosaccharides are the building blocks for complex carbohydrates).
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is a monosaccharide?