palmitic acid

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.

palmitic acid

/ 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

palmitic acid

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 .

Word History and Origins

Origin of palmitic acid¹

First recorded in 1855–60

Word History and Origins

Origin of palmitic acid¹

C19: from French palmitique; see _palm ², _-ite ², _-ic

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.

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When it came to the mitochondria, however, DHA did not prevent the loss of function that followed exposure to palmitic acid.

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A large, recent study found that lauric acid didn’t appear to raise heart disease risk quite as much as other types of saturated fatty acids, such as palmitic acid, which is substantial in butter.

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Their discovery, called napalm after two of the constituents of its thickening agent, naphthenic acid and palmitic acid, is a burning gel, usually based on petroleum, that sticks to roofs, furniture and skin.

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Butter is high in palmitic acid but also contains a smaller amount of oleic acid.

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