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.

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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

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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 .

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Etymology

Origin of palmitic acid

First recorded in 1855–60

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

palmitic acid

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.

From Science Daily ● Oct. 28, 2025

Myristic and palmitic acid are saturated, while palmitoleic and oleic acids each have one C-C double bond.

From Textbooks ● Jun. 9, 2022

Semova and Rawls chemically bonded fluorescent molecules to two common fatty acids, palmitic acid pentanoic acid, and mixed the glowing fats into the egg yolk of embryonic zebrafish.

From Scientific American ● Sep. 12, 2012

"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

Likewise the melting point of stearic acid is lowered by the addition of a small amount of palmitic acid.

From Soap-Making Manual A Practical Handbook on the Raw Materials, Their Manipulation, Analysis and Control in the Modern Soap Plant. by Thomssen, E. G.