monounsaturated

adjective

mono·​un·​sat·​u·​rat·​ed ˌmä-nō-ˌən-ˈsa-chə-ˌrā-təd 

: having one double or triple bond between carbon atoms in a hydrocarbon chain

—used especially of an oil, fat, or fatty acid

Cholesterol is a monounsaturated molecule located in the cell membrane and it is involved in membrane permeability and fluidity.

—Vladimiro Cardenia et al.

see also monounsaturated fat compare polyunsaturated

monounsaturate

ˌmä-nō-ˌən-ˈsa-chə-rət 

noun

plural monounsaturates

Nutritionists like monounsaturates because they lower harmful LDL but maintain HDL levels.

—Marilyn Chase

Examples of monounsaturated in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Healthy fats like olive oil, avocado oil, and flaxseed oil contain heart-healthy monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats that can help reduce inflammation and support overall health. —Melissa Nieves, Verywell Health, 2 Dec. 2024

And while both butters are rich in monounsaturated fats—which are healthy fats linked to reducing heart disease and better glycemic control—two spoonfuls of almond butter have 25% higher concentration of monounsaturated fats than the exact same amount of peanut butter. —Margaux Anbouba, Vogue, 24 Nov. 2024

Optimal ingredients include nuts and avocados, which are rich in heart-protective poly- and monounsaturated fats; dairy products like eggs and cheese; and sources of complete protein such as tuna, chicken, and turkey. —Lauren O'Connor, Ms, Health, 22 Oct. 2024

Olive Oil Olive oil contains vitamin E, polyphenols, and monounsaturated fatty acids, which may help lessen the risk of heart disease.2 24. —Julie Marks, Verywell Health, 10 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1939, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing monounsaturated

• monounsaturated fat

Kids Definition

monounsaturated

adjective

mono·​un·​sat·​u·​rat·​ed ˌmän-ō-ˌən-ˈsach-ə-ˌrāt-ed 

: containing one double or triple bond per molecule

—used especially of an oil, fat, or fatty acid

Medical Definition

monounsaturated

adjective

mono·​un·​sat·​u·​rat·​ed ˌmän-ō-ˌən-ˈsach-ə-ˌrāt-əd 

: having one double or triple bond between carbon atoms in a hydrocarbon chain

—used especially of an oil, fat, or fatty acid

Canola and olive oils are rich in monounsaturated fatty acids.

see also monounsaturated fat compare polyunsaturated

monounsaturate

ˌmän-ō-ˌən-ˈsach-ə-rət 

noun

… the monounsaturates reduce low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels, but do not lower high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol levels.

—Scott M. Grundy, The Journal of Nutrition