docosahexaenoic acid

noun

do·​co·​sa·​hex·​a·​e·​no·​ic acid ˌdō-kō-sə-ˌhek-sə-ˌē-ˈnō-ik- 

: an omega-3 fatty acid C₂₂H₃₂O₂ found especially in fish of cold waters

—abbreviation DHA

Examples of docosahexaenoic acid in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Eating fish provides your body with essential omega-3 fatty acids—EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) —that support heart and brain health. — Sarah Jividen, Verywell Health, 23 June 2026

Fish oil supplements provide eicosapentaenoic acid, or EPA, and docosahexaenoic acid, or DHA. — Sandee Lamotte, CNN Money, 18 June 2026

In particular, sardines are especially rich in two major types of omega-3s: eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), Dr. Wieder says. — Caroline Tien, SELF, 9 Mar. 2026

There are three main types of omega-3 fatty acids: ALA (alpha-linolenic acid), EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid), and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid). — Morgan Fargo, Vogue, 25 Feb. 2026

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary docosanoic acid (a crystalline fatty acid) + hexa- + -ene + -oic

First Known Use

1938, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for docosahexaenoic acid

• antacid
• placid

Medical Definition

docosahexaenoic acid

noun

do·​co·​sa·​hex·​a·​e·​no·​ic acid ˌdō-kō-sə-ˌhek-sə-ˌē-ˌnō-ik- 

: an omega-3 fatty acid C₂₂H₃₂O₂ found especially in fish of cold waters

—abbreviation DHA