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

Other health benefits include a high level of omega-3 fatty acids. —Philipp Wehsack, Vogue, 28 Mar. 2026

Fish oil — Provides essential omega-3 fatty acids for heart, brain and joint health. —Fred Sassani, Austin American Statesman, 23 Mar. 2026

Walnuts, which are rich in protein and omega-3 fatty acids, have 21% fewer calories than typically believed, according to USDA estimates. —Kaitlin Sullivan, NBC news, 22 Mar. 2026

However, omega-3 fatty acids must come from food, as the body cannot make them. —Leeann Weintraub, Daily News, 18 Mar. 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