trans-fatty acid

noun

trans-fat·​ty acid ˈtran(t)s-ˈfa-tē-  ˈtranz- 

: an unsaturated fatty acid characterized by a trans arrangement of alkyl chains that is formed especially during the hydrogenation of vegetable oils and has been linked to an increase in blood cholesterol

Examples of trans-fatty acid in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

These practices can admittedly destroy some of the oil’s naturally beneficial components, too, including antioxidants like polyphenols, and introduce very low levels of some unsupportive compounds, such as trans-fatty acids, Dr. Mozaffarian says. —Erica Sloan, SELF, 13 Jan. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1953, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

trans-fatty acid

noun

ˈtran(t)s-ˈfat-ē-  ˈtranz- 

: any of various unsaturated fatty acids that are characterized by a trans arrangement of alkyl chains, that are formed especially during the hydrogenation of vegetable oils, and that have been linked to an increase in blood cholesterol