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 omega-3 fatty acids eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) in salmon can be used by your body to make energy. —Brittany Lubeck, Verywell Health, 8 Oct. 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

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