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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
Recent studies revealed a complex picture: while some research suggests that omega-3 fatty acids in fish oil can reduce triglycerides and potentially improve heart health, other studies show that high doses of fish oil are associated with a higher risk of atrial fibrillation (AFib).
—
Stephanie Brown, Verywell Health, 4 June 2024
Fatty Fish Fatty fish, such as salmon, mackerel, tuna, and sardines, are foods that are high in omega-3 fatty acids.
—
Amanda MacMillan, Health, 1 June 2024
Eating more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, fish, and poultry provides omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that can improve semen parameters.9
Lifestyle factors.
—
Casey Seiden, Parents, 19 May 2024
Shrimp tails aren’t particularly high in omega-3 fatty acid, iron or iodine.
—
Erik Vance, New York Times, 28 May 2024
See all Example Sentences for fatty acid ![](/dist-cross-dungarees/2024-06-13--14-08-27-z5loc/images/svg/redesign/arrow-right-exemplar.svg)
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
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 17 Jun. 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
noun1
: 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
More from Merriam-Webster on fatty acid
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about fatty acid
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