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

Prebiotic Foods Bacteria in your gut can break down prebiotics and make compounds called short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs). —Merve Ceylan, Health, 19 Mar. 2025

Common keto gummy ingredients include the following: Medium-chain triglyceride (MCT) oil: MCTs are fatty acids that contain six to 12 carbon molecules. —Melissa Nieves, Verywell Health, 18 Mar. 2025

This one uses retinyl linoleate, a gentler form of retinol that works more gradually and is made up of retinol and linoleic acid, an omega-6 fatty acid. —Siena Gagliano, Allure, 18 Mar. 2025

It should be noted, however, that our body doesn't naturally make omega-3 fatty acids on its own. —Alessandra Signorelli, Vogue, 11 Mar. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1838, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for fatty acid

• antacid
• placid

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