linoleic acid

noun

lin·​o·​le·​ic acid ˌli-nə-ˈlē-ik-  -ˈlā- 

: a liquid unsaturated fatty acid C₁₈H₃₂O₂ found especially in semidrying oils (such as corn oil) and essential for the nutrition of some animals

Examples of linoleic acid in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Both ghee and butter contain conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) and butyrate. —Allison Herries, Verywell Health, 2 Apr. 2025

Much of the concern about seed oils centers on the fact that due to their high linoleic acid content, seed oils have much more omega-6 than omega-3 fatty acids, whereas a balanced ratio of the two in the body is best for health. —Kristen Rogers, CNN, 25 Mar. 2025

Omega-6 fats, taking the form of linoleic acid in seed oils, have been blamed for inciting inflammation. —Jack Knudson, Discover Magazine, 20 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

Word History

Etymology

Greek linon flax + International Scientific Vocabulary oleic (acid)

First Known Use

1857, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for linoleic acid

• antacid
• placid

Medical Definition

linoleic acid

noun

lin·​ole·​ic acid ˌlin-ə-ˌlē-ik-  -ˌlā- 

: a liquid unsaturated fatty acid C₁₈H₃₂O₂ found especially in semidrying oils (as peanut oil) and essential for the nutrition of some animals

called also linolic acid