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

Nuts Nuts like almonds, cashews, walnuts, and pistachios are rich in fiber and omega-3 fatty acids. —Carrie Madormo, Verywell Health, 16 June 2026

The skin care gem is rich in omega-3 fatty acids to deeply hydrate and plump your skin while simultaneously protecting it from future damage. —Kyra Surgent, InStyle, 13 June 2026

Sardines, however, provide significantly higher levels of nutrients per serving, among them omega-3 fatty acids, selenium, vitamin B12, plus calcium if eating bone-in options (totally safe to eat, as the canning process softens them to the texture of very al dente pasta). —Rebecca Firkser, Bon Appetit Magazine, 11 June 2026

Producers chemically rearrange fatty acids on the glycerol molecule in a modification process called interesterification, which makes the oil solid and the fats more uniformly distributed. —Rosemary Trout, The Conversation, 10 June 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