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

Shrimp are naturally low in calories and rich in nutrients and antioxidants, including iodine and omega-3 fatty acids. —Lynda Balslev, Mercury News, 6 Aug. 2025

Algae oil contains low levels of saturated fat and high levels of omega-9 fatty acids, as well as other nutrients like vitamin B12 and magnesium. —Sarah Bence, Verywell Health, 6 Aug. 2025

Fatty fish are excellent sources of omega-3 fatty acids, which help lower inflammation and reduce blood lipid and blood pressure levels. —Jillian Kubala, Health, 4 Aug. 2025

Supplements were provided to everyone in the intervention group, including a daily multivitamin, omega-3 fatty acids with curcumin, coenzyme Q10, vitamin C and B12, magnesium, a probiotic, and Lion’s mane mushroom. —Sandee Lamotte, CNN Money, 29 July 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1838, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for fatty acid

• antacid
• placid

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