squalene

American  

[skwey-leen] / ˈskweɪ lin /

noun

Biochemistry.

1. an oil, C 3 0 H 5 0 , intermediate in the synthesis of cholesterol, obtained for use in manufacturing pharmaceuticals.

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squalene British  

/ ˈskweɪˌliːn /

noun

1. biochem a terpene first found in the liver of sharks but also present in the livers of most higher animals: an important precursor of cholesterol

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squalene Scientific  

/ skwā′lēn′ /

1. A colorless, unsaturated hydrocarbon found especially in the liver oil of sharks and in human sebum. It is an intermediate compound in the body's synthesis of cholesterol. Chemical formula: C ₃₀ H ₅₀ .

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Etymology

Origin of squalene

1925–30; < New Latin Squal ( us ) name of a genus of sharks (the liver of which yields the oil), Latin: a kind of fish + -ene

Example Sentences

Squalene is an organic compound used as an emollient in lotions.

From Science Magazine • Oct. 15, 2015