polyunsaturated

American  

[pol-ee-uhn-sach-uh-rey-tid] / ˌpɒl i ʌnˈsætʃ əˌreɪ tɪd /

adjective

Nutrition.

1. of or noting a class of animal or vegetable fats, especially plant oils, whose molecules consist of carbon chains with many double bonds unsaturated by hydrogen atoms and that are associated with a low cholesterol content of the blood.

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polyunsaturated British  

/ ˌpɒlɪʌnˈsætʃəˌreɪtɪd /

adjective

1. of or relating to a class of animal and vegetable fats, the molecules of which consist of long carbon chains with many double bonds. Polyunsaturated compounds are less likely to be converted into cholesterol in the body. They are widely used in margarines and in the manufacture of paints and varnishes See also monounsaturated

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polyunsaturated Scientific  

/ pŏl′ē-ŭn-săch′ə-rā′tĭd /

1. Relating to an organic compound, especially a fat, in which more than one pair of carbon atoms are joined by double or triple bonds.

2. See more at unsaturated

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Etymology

Origin of polyunsaturated

First recorded in 1930–35; poly- + unsaturated

Example Sentences

Studies have found replacing saturated fats in a person’s diet with polyunsaturated fat, like fatty fish or canola oil, has lowered a person’s level of low-density lipoprotein, or bad cholesterol.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 15, 2025

In fact, these oils contain a low amount - 5-10% - of unhealthy saturated fats and are high in healthier mono- and polyunsaturated fats.

From BBC • Oct. 1, 2025

Researchers found that higher levels of arachidonic acid, a polyunsaturated omega-6 fatty acid obtained from foods like poultry, seafood and eggs, led to a lower risk of bipolar disorder.

From Salon • May 2, 2024

That’s because omega-3 fats are polyunsaturated and have been shown to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, including heart attack and stroke.

From Seattle Times • Apr. 22, 2024

For example, they have higher levels of polyunsaturated fats instead of monounsaturated fats.

From "The Omnivore's Dilemma" by Michael Pollan