linoleic acid

noun

lin·​o·​le·​ic acid ˌli-nə-ˈlē-ik-  -ˈlā- 

: a liquid unsaturated fatty acid C₁₈H₃₂O₂ found especially in semidrying oils (such as corn oil) and essential for the nutrition of some animals

Examples of linoleic acid in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The main omega-6 fat found in nuts is linoleic acid, which is key for heart health and lowering LDL cholesterol, studies show. — Matt Fuchs, Time, 26 June 2026

For instance, sunflower oil—which contains linoleic acid, a lipid similar to our skin’s own sebum, delivers suppleness on contact. — Sophie Wirt, InStyle, 22 June 2026

The core claim of the seed oil panic is that linoleic acid — an omega-6 fatty acid in these oils — drives systemic inflammation, which drives chronic disease. — Cole Hanson, STAT, 22 May 2026

Concerning dermatitis and eczema, grapeseed oil contains linoleic acid, which is believed to help with those and other skin conditions. — Bestreviews, Mercury News, 5 May 2026

Word History

Etymology

Greek linon flax + International Scientific Vocabulary oleic (acid)

First Known Use

1857, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for linoleic acid

• antacid
• placid

Medical Definition

linoleic acid

noun

lin·​ole·​ic acid ˌlin-ə-ˌlē-ik-  -ˌlā- 

: a liquid unsaturated fatty acid C₁₈H₃₂O₂ found especially in semidrying oils (as peanut oil) and essential for the nutrition of some animals

called also linolic acid