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

Worry not: Renée Rouleau Rest Day Masque helps skin bounce back from ingredient irritation with an occlusive formula that seals in the soothing, inflammation-reducing benefits of shea butter, fatty acids, and vitamin E. No more flaky freak-out face. —Allure, 26 Sep. 2024

Bacopa extract, blueberry extract, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin B6, vitamin B12 | Dietary considerations: gluten-free | Third-Party Tested: Yes. —Kelsey Kunik, Rd, Verywell Health, 25 Sep. 2024

This body butter can be used all over, and the hydrating blend of omegas, fatty acids, antioxidants, and hyaluronic acid works to retain moisture. —Kat Romero, Rolling Stone, 25 Sep. 2024

The spectra revealed amino acids, fatty acids, and metabolites—fingerprints of life. —science.org, 19 Sep. 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