fatty acid

noun

Definition of fatty acid

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 Cupuacu butter is a fatty acid that dives deep into the skin to nourish and moisturize. — Grooming Playbook, The Salt Lake Tribune, 26 May 2022 Corn contributes vitamins and minerals and is a rich source of linoleic acid, an essential fatty acid that dogs must get in their diets, according to the Cummings Veterinary Medical Center at Tufts University. — Mike Snider, USA TODAY, 22 May 2022 Shea butter has a high fatty acid content that is easy for the skin to absorb, providing effective hydration without leaving your face with an oily sheen. — The Salt Lake Tribune, 12 May 2022 That’s why we’re thrilled to use actual hemp plants with a low percentage of full spectrum CBD and a more balanced ratio of other components, as well as a fatty acid backbone heavier than pure hemp extracts. — The Salt Lake Tribune, 27 Apr. 2022 The authors found that a daily dose of one gram of omega-3 fatty acid was associated with a significant improvement in depressive symptoms. — Christine Byrne, Outside Online, 21 Oct. 2021 Grape-seed oil is high in moisturizing vitamin E and linoleic acid, also known as omega-6 fatty acid, which acts as an anti-inflammatory agent that calms blemishes and retains moisture. — Cristina Montemayor, SELF, 28 Mar. 2022 Specifically, the microbes make a short-chain fatty acid called butyrate that facilitates this particular conversation. — Amber Dance, Smithsonian Magazine, 3 Mar. 2022 Rosehip and grapeseed are also rich in linoleic acid, an essential omega-6 fatty acid that acts as a building block for ceramides, an important moisturizing element that fortifies our skin's barrier. — Megan Mcintyre, Better Homes & Gardens, 16 Feb. 2022 See More

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'fatty acid.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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fatty acid

fatty liver

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Last Updated

16 Jun 2022

Cite this Entry

“Fatty acid.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fatty%20acid. Accessed 26 Jun. 2022.

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More Definitions for fatty acid

fatty acid

noun

Medical Definition of fatty acid

1 : any of numerous saturated aliphatic acids C_nH₂_n₊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