fatty acid

noun

1
: any of numerous saturated aliphatic monocarboxylic acids CnH2n+1COOH (such as acetic acid) including many that occur naturally usually in the form of esters in fats, waxes, and essential oils
2
: any of the saturated or unsaturated monocarboxylic acids (such as palmitic acid) usually with an even number of carbon atoms that occur naturally in the form of glycerides in fats and fatty oils

Examples of fatty acid in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Studies show that this natural oil is made up mostly of fatty acids, like lauric acid, myristic acid, and linoleic acid, and provides a lot of benefits when used in cooking or our hair care and skincare regimens. Audrey Noble, Vogue, 9 Apr. 2024 Green Coffee Bean Extract has been shown to: Boost fatty acid oxidation Increase lipolysis inside fat cells Elevate levels of plasma adiponectin Why not just drink coffee? Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 3 Apr. 2024 Known for its moisturizing, nourishing, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties, castor oil has fatty acids that can help promote hair growth and improve the overall health of hair and scalp. Larry Stansbury, Essence, 1 Apr. 2024 Aim for protein, Omega-3 fatty acids, eggs, pumpkin seeds, B vitamins and Vitamin D, dark chocolate, turmeric, chamomile, yogurt, green tea and Brazil nuts. Bryan Robinson, Forbes, 27 Mar. 2024 This imbalance of too many omega-6 fatty acids and too few omega-3 fatty acids is the bigger problem at play here. Hannah Yasharoff, USA TODAY, 25 Mar. 2024 Research suggests omega-3 fatty acids are a supportive nutrient for sperm count, motility (movement), and morphology (shape). Casey Seiden, Parents, 22 Mar. 2024 It is theorized that the types of fatty acids in emu oil could help lower cholesterol similar to the effects of olive oil. Elizabeth Barnes, Verywell Health, 28 Feb. 2024 There is no specific threshold limit or dose recommendation for general omega-3 fatty acid supplementation for children. Jenny Friedman, Ms, Parents, 31 Mar. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'fatty acid.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1838, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of fatty acid was in 1838

Dictionary Entries Near fatty acid

Cite this Entry

“Fatty acid.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fatty%20acid. Accessed 25 Apr. 2024.

Kids Definition

fatty acid

noun
: any of numerous acids that contain only carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen and occur naturally in fats and various oils

Medical Definition

fatty acid

noun
1
: any of numerous saturated aliphatic acids CnH2n+1COOH (as lauric acid) containing a single carboxyl group and including many that occur naturally usually in the form of esters in fats, waxes, and essential oils
2
: any of the saturated or unsaturated organic acids (as palmitic acid) that have a single carboxyl group and usually an even number of carbon atoms and that occur naturally in the form of glycerides in fats and fatty oils

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