palmitic acid

American  

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 British  

/ 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 Scientific  

/ păl-mĭt′ĭk,päl-,pä-mĭt′- /

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 .

---

Etymology

Origin of palmitic acid

First recorded in 1855–60

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

palmitic acid

The researchers examined evidence showing that palmitic acid can trigger several biological processes linked to metabolic disease.

From Science Daily ● Jun. 22, 2026

For example, palmitic acid, a saturated fatty acid, is derived from the palm tree.

From Textbooks ● Jun. 9, 2022

"The majority of studies support the concept that palmitic acid in palm oil raises LDL cholesterol," Clifton wrote in an editorial that accompanied Tholstrup's study in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.

From Reuters ● Nov. 15, 2011

The researchers used gas chromatography-mass spectrometry to separate out the different molecules in the samples, and found that the coating contained biological long-chain fatty acids including palmitic acid and stearic acid.

From Scientific American ● Aug. 19, 2011

Upon analysis, it showed: saponification value, 141.2; palmitic acid, 37.84 percent, and glycerids as tripalmitin, 28.03 percent.

From All About Coffee by William H. (William Harrison) Ukers