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

The germ is the middle layer, rich in vitamin E and fatty acids. —Carrie Madormo, Verywell Health, 8 Dec. 2025

While many supplements are ineffective, Tanzi has backed omega-3 fatty acids, ideally from algae sources to avoid heavy metals found in fish oils. —Melissa Fleur Afshar, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 Dec. 2025

Fatty Fish Fatty fish, such as salmon, sardines, and mackerel, are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, particularly EPA and DHA, Routhenstein said. —Sherri Gordon, Health, 5 Dec. 2025

Several experimental studies have shown that type 3 resistant starch is formed during cooling, producing the beneficial short-chain fatty acids known as butyrate. —Desireé Oostland, Vogue, 4 Dec. 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