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

Omega-3 fatty acids such as salmon, mackerel, tuna and sardines put your brain in a good mood. —Bryan Robinson, Forbes.com, 4 Apr. 2025

Olive oil primarily contains monounsaturated fats but lacks the omega-3 fatty acids in flaxseed, chia, or walnuts. —Jonathan Purtell, Verywell Health, 4 Apr. 2025

The finding, published March 24 in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, is thought to be the fragments of fatty acids that were preserved in the sample. —Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 1 Apr. 2025

Flaxseed is packed with omega-3 fatty acids that deeply nourish. —Bianca Salonga, Forbes, 26 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