fatty acid

noun

1

: any of numerous saturated aliphatic monocarboxylic acids C_nH_2n+1COOH (such as acetic acid) including many that occur naturally usually in the form of esters in fats, waxes, and essential oils

2

: any of the saturated or unsaturated monocarboxylic acids (such as palmitic acid) usually with an even number of carbon atoms that occur naturally in the form of glycerides in fats and fatty oils

Examples of fatty acid in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

It's formulated with ingredients like wild Alaskan salmon oil for Omega-3 fatty acids, and it's delivered in a delicious chewable format with honey and pork liver that your dog will love. —Nora Colomer May Earn A Commission If You Buy Through Our Referral Links. This Content Was Created By A Team That Works Independently From The Fox Newsroom., FOXNews.com, 14 May 2025

Unlike long-chain fatty acids, MCTs are absorbed from the small intestine intact. —Health, 14 May 2025

According to Johnson, certain probiotics produce short-chain fatty acids that stimulate the interstitial muscles to move food in the GI tract. —Maggie O'Neill, Verywell Health, 12 May 2025

Experts urge women dealing with the annoying symptom to consume foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, such as walnuts or salmon, which can promote healthy skin. —Taylor Lane, Flow Space, 1 May 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1838, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for fatty acid

• antacid
• placid

Kids Definition

fatty acid

noun

: any of numerous acids that contain only carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen and occur naturally in fats and various oils

Medical Definition

fatty acid

noun

1

: any of numerous saturated aliphatic acids C_nH_2n+1COOH (as lauric acid) containing a single carboxyl group and including many that occur naturally usually in the form of esters in fats, waxes, and essential oils

2

: any of the saturated or unsaturated organic acids (as palmitic acid) that have a single carboxyl group and usually an even number of carbon atoms and that occur naturally in the form of glycerides in fats and fatty oils