eicosanoid

noun

ei·cos·a·noid ī-ˈkō-sə-ˌnȯid

: any of a class of compounds (such as the prostaglandins) derived from polyunsaturated fatty acids (such as arachidonic acid) and involved in cellular activity

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web Polyunsaturated oils from corn, safflower and soybean contain lots of omega-6 fatty acids, which are precursors to inflammatory compounds known as eicosanoids. —

Dorothy Kieffer, sacbee.com, 29 May 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'eicosanoid.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Word History

Etymology

eicosa- containing 20 atoms (from Greek eikosa- twenty, from eikosi) + -noic, suffix used in names of fatty acids (from -ane + -oic) + -oid entry 1 — more at vigesimal

First Known Use

1980, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of eicosanoid was in 1980

See more words from the same year

Dictionary Entries Near eicosanoid

eicosanoic acid

eicosanoid

eicosapentaenoic acid

See More Nearby Entries

Cite this Entry

Style

“Eicosanoid.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/eicosanoid. Accessed 28 Mar. 2023.

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Medical Definition

eicosanoid

noun

ei·co·sa·noid ī-ˈkō-sə-ˌnȯid

: any of a class of compounds (as the prostaglandins, leukotrienes, and thromboxanes) derived from polyunsaturated fatty acids (as arachidonic acid) and involved in cellular activity