linoleic acid

American  

Also linolic 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.

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linoleic acid British  

/ 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

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linoleic acid Scientific  

/ lĭn′ə-lē′ĭk /

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 .

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Etymology

Origin of linoleic acid

First recorded in 1855–60

Example Sentences

My scared-straight moment: A 2022 study at Wake Forest University showed that Alzheimer’s patients had linoleic acid blood levels that were 56 percent higher than people without cognitive impairment.

From New York Times • Apr. 28, 2024

While all oils contain varying levels of fatty acids, some argue an excessive intake of a specific omega-6 fatty acid in seed oils called "linoleic acid" may contribute to inflammation in the body.

From Salon • Feb. 21, 2024

Differences between the two soybean oils suggest that polyunsaturated fatty acids in unmodified soybean oil, primarily linoleic acid, play a role in altering gene expression.

From Science Daily • Jan. 3, 2024

A 2019 analysis of 30 observational studies from 13 countries involving 68,659 people found that high levels of linoleic acid were associated with reduced risk of cardiovascular events.

From Seattle Times • Mar. 6, 2023

The only reaction based upon the chemical constitution of fat is produced by treatment of oleic or linoleic acid with nitrous acid, which therefore is of some value in the examination of drying oils.

From Scientific American Supplement, No. 470, January 3, 1885 by Various