eicosapentaenoic acid

noun

ei·​co·​sa·​pen·​ta·​e·​no·​ic acid ˌī-kō-sə-ˌpen-tə-ē-ˈnō-ik- 

: an omega-3 fatty acid C₂₀H₃₀O₂ found especially in fish oils

Examples of eicosapentaenoic acid in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The three main omega-3 fatty acids are alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). —Jennifer Lefton, Verywell Health, 23 Oct. 2025

Fatty Fish Fatty fish, like salmon, mackerel, and sardines, are rich in the anti-inflammatory fatty acids eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). —Jillian Kubala, Health, 22 Oct. 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

Rhymes for eicosapentaenoic acid

• antacid
• placid

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- 

: an omega-3 fatty acid C₂₀H₃₀O₂ found especially in the oil of cold-water fish (such as salmon, mackerel, and herring)

—abbreviation EPA