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

How Omega-3s Affect Heart Health Omega-3 fatty acids, specifically eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), help regulate inflammation throughout the body, supporting healthy blood vessel function, an essential component of heart health. —Jillian Kubala, Health, 30 Jan. 2026

There are three kinds of omega-3 fats: eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), which are found in fish and seafood, and alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), which is found in plants. —Olivia McIntosh, Martha Stewart, 18 Jan. 2026

Low omega-3 levels, specifically eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), are associated with a range of medical conditions, including heart attacks, strokes, high blood pressure, insulin resistance, poor cognition, mood disorders and more, studies have shown. —Melissa Rudy, FOXNews.com, 8 Dec. 2025

Of the several types of omega-3 fatty acids, the form with the greatest impact on brain health is docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). —Amber J. Tresca, Verywell Health, 6 Nov. 2025

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