docosahexaenoic acid

noun

do·​co·​sa·​hex·​a·​e·​no·​ic acid ˌdō-kō-sə-ˌhek-sə-ˌē-ˈnō-ik- How to pronounce docosahexaenoic acid (audio)
: an omega-3 fatty acid C22H32O2 found especially in fish of cold waters
abbreviation DHA

Examples of docosahexaenoic acid in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Reduces Inflammation and Oxidative Stress Sardines provide two types of fatty acids—eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Lana Barhum, Verywell Health, 31 Oct. 2024 Incorporating fatty fish with high omega-3 fatty acids, docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), such as herring, mackerel, and salmon, may help regulate blood pressure. Jamie Johnson, Verywell Health, 16 Oct. 2024 Seafood is high in protein, omega-3 fatty acids eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid (EPA and DHA), and vitamins and minerals. Jillian Kubala, Health, 18 Sep. 2024 During pregnancy, the body converts ALA to docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), two essential fatty acids. Amy Brownstein, Ms, Rdn, Verywell Health, 9 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for docosahexaenoic acid 

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary docosanoic acid (a crystalline fatty acid) + hexa- + -ene + -oic

First Known Use

1938, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of docosahexaenoic acid was in 1938

Dictionary Entries Near docosahexaenoic acid

Cite this Entry

“Docosahexaenoic acid.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/docosahexaenoic%20acid. Accessed 19 Nov. 2024.

Medical Definition

docosahexaenoic acid

noun
do·​co·​sa·​hex·​a·​e·​no·​ic acid ˌdō-kō-sə-ˌhek-sə-ˌē-ˌnō-ik- How to pronounce docosahexaenoic acid (audio)
: an omega-3 fatty acid C22H32O2 found especially in fish of cold waters
abbreviation DHA

More from Merriam-Webster on docosahexaenoic acid

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!