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

These shellfish are a valuable source of omega-3 fatty acids, specifically eicosatetraenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). —Devineé Lingo, M.s., Health, 16 July 2024

Salmon is rich in docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), an omega-3 fatty acid. —Elisa Cinelli, Parents, 8 July 2024

That is omega 3 fatty acids and specifically, docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). —Sheah Rarback, Miami Herald, 30 Jan. 2024

Types of Omega-3 Fatty Acids There are three main types of omega-3 fatty acids: eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), and alpha-linolenic acid (ALA). —Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 5 Oct. 2023

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

1938, in the meaning defined above

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