fatty acid
Definition of fatty acid
1 : any of numerous saturated aliphatic monocarboxylic acids CnH2n+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
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1838
First Known Use of fatty acid
1838
FATTY ACID Defined for English Language Learners
fatty acid
Definition of fatty acid for English Language Learners
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: an acid that is naturally in fats and various oils
Medical Dictionary
fatty acid
Medical Definition of fatty acid
1: any of numerous saturated aliphatic acids CnH2n+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
Learn More about fatty acid
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Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about fatty acid
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