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

Participants followed two diets for three weeks, one high in short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and one low in SCFAs. —Johna Burdeos, Health, 7 Apr. 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

This is because ghee contains fatty acids that help keep the intestines healthy and boost the immune system. —Allison Herries, Verywell Health, 2 Apr. 2025

Although inulin can feed good gut bacteria, Gewirtz says that the byproducts of it (short chain fatty acids) might also help pathogens grow. —Carly Mallenbaum, Axios, 29 Mar. 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