fatty acid

noun

|Updated on: 16 Jun 2018

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

See fatty acid defined for English-language learners

See fatty acid defined for kids

Recent Examples of fatty acid from the Web

In such labs, technicians can dissolve away nonorganic molecules and take a full index of the remaining organic ones, including, say, fatty acids with an even number of carbon atoms—a hallmark of life.

— paul voosen, Science | AAAS, "NASA rover hits organic pay dirt on Mars," 7 June 2018
Watermelon seed extract, for instance, is incredibly hydrating and contains glow-inducing essential fatty acids to boot.

— sophie wirt, Allure, "The 16 Best Watermelon Skin-Care Products to Soothe Your Complexion This Summer," 30 May 2018
Plus, betcha didn't know that more than half of the fat in egg yolks comes from heart healthy mono- and polyunsaturated fatty acids.

— marygrace taylor, Woman's Day, "These 10 Foods Are Cheaper and Healthier Than Pricey 'Superfoods'," 24 Nov. 2014
This recipe features salmon, which is a great source of protein and provides plenty of omega-3 fatty acids.

— andrea thelen, ms, Detroit Free Press, "VIDEO: Sheet-pan rainbow vegetables & lemon-garlic salmon," 21 May 2018
The World Health Organization initiative launched Monday, dubbed REPLACE, outlines a sequence of actions that countries should take to reduce trans fatty acids in their food supplies.

— melissa healy, latimes.com, "Health officials launch ambitious plan to rid the world of trans fats," 15 May 2018
Several countries have already moved to restrict or ban trans fats, also known as trans fatty acids, including the United States.

— andrew jacobs, BostonGlobe.com, "WHO campaign seeks worldwide elimination of trans fats in foods," 14 May 2018
Made with fatty acids, natural beeswax, cannabis extract, and soybean, this product would work for most hair types but would be best on thicker, coarser textures.

— claire valentine, The Cut, "12 CBD Beauty Products for Celebrating 420," 20 Apr. 2018
Hempseeds are rich in heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids and omega-6 gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) and other nutrients that contain trace or no THC.

— christy brissette, chicagotribune.com, "Milk, bread, hemp oil? On 4/20, a dietitian's guide to the cannabis items in your grocery store," 20 Apr. 2018

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.

First Known Use of fatty acid

1838

in the meaning defined at sense 1

See Words from the same year

NEW! Time Traveler

FATTY ACID Defined for English Language Learners

fatty acid

noun

Definition of fatty acid for English Language Learners

: an acid that is naturally in fats and various oils

Medical Dictionary

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