linoleic acid

Also li·nolic acid

noun

Chemistry.

1. an unsaturated fatty acid, C 18 H 32 O 2 , occurring as a glyceride in drying oils, as in linseed oil.

linoleic acid

/ ˌlɪnəʊˈliːɪk /

noun

1. a colourless oily essential fatty acid found in many natural oils, such as linseed: used in the manufacture of soaps, emulsifiers, and driers. Formula: C 18 H 32 O 2

linoleic acid

1. An unsaturated fatty acid that has two double bonds and is a nutrient essential for prostaglandin production in the human body. It is an important component of many vegetable oils, such as linseed, soybean, peanut, corn, and safflower oil, and is also found in meat and dairy products. Chemical formula: C ₁₈ H ₃₂ O ₂ .

Word History and Origins

Origin of linoleic acid¹

First recorded in 1855–60

Word History and Origins

Origin of linoleic acid¹

C19: from Latin līnum flax + _{oleic acid} ; so named because it is found in linseed oil