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

This body shimmer is made with coconut oil, açaí oil, and cupuaçu butter, which are full of fatty acids and antioxidants that nourish the skin with ample moisture. — Maya Allen, Marie Claire, "The 5 Best Body Oils For the Ultimate Summer Glow-Up," 6 June 2019 Chang explains rosehip oil has a high concentration of fatty acids, like linoleic and oleic acid, which have antioxidant, moisturizing, and skin protective effects. — Audrey Noble, Harper's BAZAAR, "The Beauty Benefits of Rosehip Oil," 2 May 2019 The tiny black olives make a beautiful golden oil rich in fatty acids and renowned for its fruity aroma. — Jennifer Goldstein, Marie Claire, "Davines' Newest Shampoo Took 203 Years to Make," 8 May 2019 The crucial factor here is the size of the fatty acid molecules that make up the oil. — Jenn Sinrich, SELF, "What You Should Know Before Using a Trendy New Face Oil," 13 Mar. 2019 The cream features hyaluronic acid, arginine, and vitamin E to help soften the texture of uneven skin, while the serum, packed with essential fatty acids, has a soothing effect on the physical discomfort stretch marks can sometimes cause. — Marci Robin, Allure, "Loey Lane's New Brand Love AnyBody Launches Affordable Body-Care Products at Target," 4 Apr. 2019 The sheer abundance of fatty acids overwhelms the fat cells, causing them to malfunction and die, after which, they're metabolized by the body and excreted as waste. — Jolene Edgar, Allure, "What Is EMSulpt? Here's Everything You Need to Know About the Body-Contouring Treatment," 17 Sep. 2018 Scientists just announced the discovery of two entirely new fatty acids found in the Chinese violet cress. — John Wenz, Popular Mechanics, "This Purple Plant Has a Secret That Could Replace Synthetic Engine Oil," 27 Aug. 2018 Side effects from omega 3 fatty acids can include burping up a fishy taste, stomach distress, and heartburn. — David Becker, Philly.com, "Why this cardiologist is no longer recommending fish oil supplements," 1 May 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.

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16 Jun 2019

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The first known use of fatty acid was in 1838

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More Definitions for fatty acid

fatty acid

noun

English Language Learners Definition of fatty acid

: an acid that is naturally in fats and various oils

See the full definition for fatty acid in the English Language Learners 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