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

The resistant starch in beans helps beneficial gut bacteria and fatty acids grow in the colon. —Isabel Vasquez Rd Ldn, Health, 15 July 2024

Its conditioning blend of sensitive skin-friendly ceramides, fatty acids, cholesterol, and allantoin help restore the skin barrier and stave off dryness all day long. —Kiana Murden, Vogue, 8 July 2024

One distinction is that wild salmon is higher in omega-3 fatty acids that lower inflammation, while farmed salmon is higher in omega-6 fatty acids that promote inflammation. —Bryant Stamford, The Courier-Journal, 13 June 2024

Since dry skin types tend to suffer skin barrier issues, omegas, fatty acids, and ceramides can help fortify it and prevent water loss. —Tish Weinstock, Vogue, 2 July 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1838, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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