palmitic acid

American  

noun

Chemistry.

1. a white, crystalline, water-insoluble solid, C 1 6 H 3 2 O 2 , obtained by hydrolysis from palm oil and natural fats, in which it occurs as the glyceride, and from spermaceti: used in the manufacture of soap.

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palmitic acid British  

/ pælˈmɪtɪk /

noun

1. Systematic name: hexadecanoic acid.  a white crystalline solid that is a saturated fatty acid: used in the manufacture of soap and candles. Formula: (C 15 H 31 )COOH

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palmitic acid Scientific  

/ păl-mĭt′ĭk,päl-,pä-mĭt′- /

1. A saturated fatty acid occurring as combustible white crystals in many natural oils (such as spermaceti and palm oil) and fats. It is used in making soaps. Chemical formula: C ₁₆ H ₃₂ O ₂ .

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Etymology

Origin of palmitic acid

First recorded in 1855–60

Example Sentences

The results indicate that both palmitic acid and stearic acid-rich interesterified fats, when consumed in normal dietary amounts, do not appear to raise short-term risk factors linked to heart disease.

From Science Daily • Oct. 28, 2025

For example, palmitic acid, a saturated fatty acid, is derived from the palm tree.

From Textbooks • Jun. 9, 2022

"The majority of studies support the concept that palmitic acid in palm oil raises LDL cholesterol," Clifton wrote in an editorial that accompanied Tholstrup's study in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.

From Reuters • Nov. 15, 2011

The wax contains fatty acids such as palmitic acid, although McCreesh says that her results so far don't show any evidence of beeswax.

From Scientific American • Aug. 19, 2011

It consists essentially of ethereal salts of palmitic acid with ethal and other hydrocarbon bases.

From The Gutenberg Webster's Unabridged Dictionary Section S by Project Gutenberg