polyunsaturated

adjective

poly·​un·​sat·​u·​rat·​ed ˌpä-lē-ˌən-ˈsa-chə-ˌrā-təd How to pronounce polyunsaturated (audio)
: having more than one double or triple bond between carbon atoms in a hydrocarbon chain
used especially of an oil, fat, or fatty acid
Polyunsaturated oils are liquid at room temperature and in the refrigerator.University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
see also polyunsaturated fat compare monounsaturated
polyunsaturate noun
plural polyunsaturates
In 1985, they reported that monounsaturates lowered total blood cholesterol just as well as polyunsaturates. Consumer Reports

Examples of polyunsaturated in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Look for products with lower amounts of saturated fats and higher amounts of monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, Mok said. Stephanie Brown, Verywell Health, 22 July 2024 Dietary fat: In addition to eating healthy polyunsaturated and monosaturated fats and avoiding unhealthy saturated and trans fats, the daily dietary fat intake would need to be restricted to less than 30% of the total calories for children and even less for adults. Kashif J. Piracha, Verywell Health, 12 July 2024 Emu oil is rich in antioxidants like carotenoids and polyunsaturated fats. Elizabeth Barnes, Verywell Health, 28 Feb. 2024 Foods That Are High in Potassium A Quick Review Healthy fats, such as monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, help lower cholesterol, manage blood pressure, reduce blood sugar, and support brain function. Selene Yeager, Health, 24 Feb. 2024 See all Example Sentences for polyunsaturated 

Word History

First Known Use

1921, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of polyunsaturated was in 1921

Dictionary Entries Near polyunsaturated

Cite this Entry

“Polyunsaturated.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/polyunsaturated. Accessed 12 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

polyunsaturated

adjective
poly·​un·​sat·​u·​rat·​ed ˈpäl-ē-ˌən-ˈsach-ə-ˌrāt-əd How to pronounce polyunsaturated (audio)
of an oil or fatty acid
: having many double or triple bonds in a molecule

Medical Definition

polyunsaturated

adjective
poly·​un·​sat·​u·​rat·​ed ˌpäl-ē-ˌən-ˈsach-ə-ˌrāt-əd How to pronounce polyunsaturated (audio)
: having more than one double or triple bond between carbon atoms in a hydrocarbon chain
used especially of an oil, fat, or fatty acid
… olive oil and polyunsaturated safflower oil both lowered human blood levels of LDLs, the cholesterol most closely linked with a higher risk of heart disease and stroke.Science
see also polyunsaturated fat compare monounsaturated
polyunsaturate noun
When mammals ingest plant lipids, the polyunsaturates consumed are incorporated into their body fats … Craig L. Frank, Ecology

More from Merriam-Webster on polyunsaturated

Last Updated: - Definition revised
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!