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

Human skin is composed primarily of ceramides, fatty acids and cholesterol, which are not classified as saturated. — Jenna Belhumeur, Los Angeles Times, 27 July 2026

Salmon and other fatty fish Another food rich in omega-3 fatty acids is fatty fish, which include salmon, mackerel, herring, sardines, and tuna. — Audrey Noble, Vogue, 24 July 2026

This includes an omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid called alpha-linolenic acid (ALA). — Lana Barhum, Verywell Health, 22 July 2026

The main types of short chain fatty acids are acetate, propionate and butyrate. — Sheah Rarback, Miami Herald, 17 July 2026

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