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

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

But there are three other foods that are higher in ALA than walnuts—plus, many others contain docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), two other types of omega-3 fatty acids. —Jillian Kubala, Health, 3 Dec. 2025

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

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