linoleic acid

noun

lin·​o·​le·​ic acid ˌli-nə-ˈlē-ik-  -ˈlā- 

: a liquid unsaturated fatty acid C₁₈H₃₂O₂ found especially in semidrying oils (such as corn oil) and essential for the nutrition of some animals

Examples of linoleic acid in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Research suggests that incorporating omega-6 linoleic acid into the diet may not increase inflammation.456 3. —Amy Brownstein, Verywell Health, 12 June 2025

New research suggests that linoleic acid, the main fatty acid in seed oils, can lower the risk of heart disease and diabetes. —Julia Ries, Health, 5 June 2025

Oils higher in polyunsaturated fat are higher in linoleic acid. —Lindsey Desoto, Health, 28 Apr. 2025

Both ghee and butter contain conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) and butyrate. —Allison Herries, Verywell Health, 2 Apr. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Greek linon flax + International Scientific Vocabulary oleic (acid)

First Known Use

1857, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for linoleic acid

• antacid
• placid

Medical Definition

linoleic acid

noun

lin·​ole·​ic acid ˌlin-ə-ˌlē-ik-  -ˌlā- 

: a liquid unsaturated fatty acid C₁₈H₃₂O₂ found especially in semidrying oils (as peanut oil) and essential for the nutrition of some animals

called also linolic acid