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

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

However, comparative studies have found that alternatives like pumpkin seed oil and linoleic acid offer superior hydration. —Boutayna Chokrane, WIRED, 14 Mar. 2025

One omega 6, linoleic acid, is the most common omega-6 in the US food supply. —Julianna Bragg, CNN, 6 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