eicosapentaenoic acid

noun

ei·​co·​sa·​pen·​ta·​e·​no·​ic acid ˌī-kō-sə-ˌpen-tə-ē-ˈnō-ik- How to pronounce eicosapentaenoic acid (audio)
: an omega-3 fatty acid C20H30O2 found especially in fish oils

Examples of eicosapentaenoic acid in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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, 25 Sep. 2025 The omega-3 fats eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) have powerful anti-inflammatory effects in the body and help prevent cellular damage that may lead to disease.20 11. Jillian Kubala, Health, 5 Sep. 2025 That’s because, while many foods are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, fish oil specifically contains two out of the three most popular sources of omega-3s: eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Brianna Peters, Vogue, 18 May 2025 There are three main types of omega-3 fatty acids: alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), per the ODS. Hannah Yasharoff, USA Today, 7 Apr. 2025

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary eicosa- twenty (from Greek eikosa-, from eikosi) + penta- + -ene + -oic — more at vigesimal

First Known Use

1921, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of eicosapentaenoic acid was in 1921

Browse Nearby Words

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Cite this Entry

“Eicosapentaenoic acid.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/eicosapentaenoic%20acid. Accessed 1 Oct. 2025.

Medical Definition

eicosapentaenoic acid

noun
ei·​co·​sa·​pen·​ta·​e·​no·​ic acid ˌī-kō-sə-ˌpen-tə-ē-ˌnō-ik-, -i-ˌnō-ik- How to pronounce eicosapentaenoic acid (audio)
: an omega-3 fatty acid C20H30O2 found especially in the oil of cold-water fish (such as salmon, mackerel, and herring)
abbreviation EPA
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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