fatty acid

noun

Biochemistry.

1. any of a class of aliphatic acids, especially palmitic, stearic, or oleic acid, consisting of a long hydrocarbon chain ending in a carboxyl group that bonds to glycerol to form a fat.

fatty acid

noun

1. any of a class of aliphatic carboxylic acids, such as palmitic acid, stearic acid, and oleic acid, that form part of a lipid molecule

2. another name for carboxylic acid, used esp of a naturally occurring one

fatty acid

1. Any of a large group of organic acids, especially those found in animal and vegetable fats and oils. Fatty acids are mainly composed of long chains of hydrocarbons ending in a carboxyl group. A fatty acid is saturated when the bonds between carbon atoms are all single bonds. It is unsaturated when any of these bonds is a double bond.

Word History and Origins

Origin of fatty acid¹

First recorded in 1860–65

Example Sentences

Like açaí berries - these strange fruits are rich in antioxidants, fibre or fatty acids.

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Results revealed that the version made from textured sunflower protein had better consistency and higher levels of protein, along with healthy fats such as monounsaturated fatty acids.

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A new study has found that the benefits of a fatty acid known as eicosapentaenoic acid vary widely from person to person.

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One group received no treatment, the second completed a 30-day swimming routine, and the third both swam and received omega-3 supplements, a fatty acid known for reducing inflammation in chronic diseases.

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In laboratory experiments, scientists treated damaged neurons with specific fatty acid supplements and found that within just 48 hours, the cells regained their energy production and normal activity.

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