linolenic acid
- a colourless unsaturated essential fatty acid found in drying oils, such as linseed oil, and used in making paints and synthetic resins; 9,12,15-octadecatrienoic acid. Formula: C 18 H 30 O 2Also called: alpha-linolenic acid
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Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
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linolenic acid
[lĭn′ə-lĕn′ĭk]
- An unsaturated fatty acid that has three double bonds and is a nutrient essential to the formation of prostaglandins in the human body. Linolenic acid belongs to the class of omega-3 fatty acids. It is an important component of natural drying oils (such as linseed oil) and is also found in some fish oils. Chemical formula: C18H30O2.
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The American Heritage® Science Dictionary
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