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

Some contain omega-3 fatty acids, which may support memory and brain health.7 Nut butters can thicken oatmeal, add to its taste, and give it a nutritional boost. —Julie Marks, Verywell Health, 21 Aug. 2025

In the study, these compounds, differing in their fatty acid chains, showed a moderate α-glucosidase inhibitory activity with values more potent than the control drug acarbose. —Hannah Millington, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 Aug. 2025

Doctors recommend foods like berries, nuts, fish packed with omega-3 fatty acids and even dark chocolate for neurological health. —Deirdre Bardolf, FOXNews.com, 9 Aug. 2025

This deeply moisturizing ceramide serum will do just the trick with a blend of squalane and beta glucan (which is a polysaccharide that helps boost the skin barrier), plus fatty acids to help lock in hydration all day long. —Alanna Martine Kilkeary, Glamour, 4 Aug. 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