monounsaturated

adjective

mono·​un·​sat·​u·​rat·​ed ˌmä-nō-ˌən-ˈsa-chə-ˌrā-təd 

: having one double or triple bond between carbon atoms in a hydrocarbon chain

—used especially of an oil, fat, or fatty acid

Cholesterol is a monounsaturated molecule located in the cell membrane and it is involved in membrane permeability and fluidity.

—Vladimiro Cardenia et al.

see also monounsaturated fat compare polyunsaturated

monounsaturate

ˌmä-nō-ˌən-ˈsa-chə-rət 

noun

plural monounsaturates

Nutritionists like monounsaturates because they lower harmful LDL but maintain HDL levels.

—Marilyn Chase

Examples of monounsaturated in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Healthy fats like olive oil, avocado oil, and flaxseed oil contain heart-healthy monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats that can help reduce inflammation and support overall health. —Julie Scott, Verywell Health, 3 July 2025

Then there is the fruit's signature nutrient profile: 3 grams of fiber—one-third of which is soluble fiber known to reduce cholesterol—and 5 grams of heart-healthy monounsaturated fats, which help lower LDL cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of stroke and heart disease. —Melissa Fleur Afshar, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 June 2025

Olive oil provides heart-healthy monounsaturated fats, which support hormone production. —Lauren Manaker Ms, Health, 9 June 2025

Avocados are high in fiber and monounsaturated fat, which can help promote blood sugar control and support heart health.17 8. —Sarah Anzlovar, Verywell Health, 2 June 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1939, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing monounsaturated

• monounsaturated fat

Rhymes for monounsaturated

• polyunsaturated
• undifferentiated
• abated
• ablated
• awaited
• belated
• berated
• castrated
• chelated
• citrated
• collated
• conflated

Kids Definition

monounsaturated

adjective

mono·​un·​sat·​u·​rat·​ed ˌmän-ō-ˌən-ˈsach-ə-ˌrāt-ed 

: containing one double or triple bond per molecule

—used especially of an oil, fat, or fatty acid

Medical Definition

monounsaturated

adjective

mono·​un·​sat·​u·​rat·​ed ˌmän-ō-ˌən-ˈsach-ə-ˌrāt-əd 

: having one double or triple bond between carbon atoms in a hydrocarbon chain

—used especially of an oil, fat, or fatty acid

Canola and olive oils are rich in monounsaturated fatty acids.

see also monounsaturated fat compare polyunsaturated

monounsaturate

ˌmän-ō-ˌən-ˈsach-ə-rət 

noun

… the monounsaturates reduce low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels, but do not lower high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol levels.

—Scott M. Grundy, The Journal of Nutrition