fatty acid

noun

1

: any of numerous saturated aliphatic monocarboxylic acids C_nH_2n+1COOH (such as acetic acid) including many that occur naturally usually in the form of esters in fats, waxes, and essential oils

2

: any of the saturated or unsaturated monocarboxylic acids (such as palmitic acid) usually with an even number of carbon atoms that occur naturally in the form of glycerides in fats and fatty oils

Examples of fatty acid in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Clay relies on and recommends NOW Foods Omega-3 Fish Oil to manage her own inflammatory joint pain because research points to fish oil as the strongest source of omega-3 fatty acids. —Kelsey Kunik, Rd, Health, 10 Aug. 2024

The not-so-secret sauce to this hair-care product is a blend of Kalahari melon seed and tamanu oils, both of which are high in cuticle-smoothing fatty acids. —Lauren Dana Ellman, Allure, 6 Aug. 2024

Instead, the diets emphasize eating healthy, oily fish, which are packed with omega-3 fatty acids that are good for the brain, along with lean meats such as poultry and pork loin. —Sandee Lamotte, CNN, 31 July 2024

Chia seeds are crammed with protein, fiber, omega-3 fatty acids, minerals and antioxidants. —Robin Miller, The Arizona Republic, 25 July 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1838, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

fatty acid

noun

: any of numerous acids that contain only carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen and occur naturally in fats and various oils

Medical Definition

fatty acid

noun

1

: any of numerous saturated aliphatic acids C_nH_2n+1COOH (as lauric acid) containing a single carboxyl group and including many that occur naturally usually in the form of esters in fats, waxes, and essential oils

2

: any of the saturated or unsaturated organic acids (as palmitic acid) that have a single carboxyl group and usually an even number of carbon atoms and that occur naturally in the form of glycerides in fats and fatty oils