eicosanoid

noun

ei·​cos·​a·​noid ī-ˈkō-sə-ˌnȯid 

: any of a class of compounds (such as the prostaglandins) derived from polyunsaturated fatty acids (such as arachidonic acid) and involved in cellular activity

Examples of eicosanoid in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Impact on Hormone Production and Genetic Function Omega-3 fatty acids serve as precursors for the production of hormone-like substances called eicosanoids. —Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 5 Oct. 2023

Polyunsaturated oils from corn, safflower and soybean contain lots of omega-6 fatty acids, which are precursors to inflammatory compounds known as eicosanoids. —Dorothy Kieffer, sacbee.com, 29 May 2017

Word History

Etymology

eicosa- containing 20 atoms (from Greek eikosa- twenty, from eikosi) + -noic, suffix used in names of fatty acids (from -ane + -oic) + -oid entry 1 — more at vigesimal

First Known Use

1980, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

eicosanoid

noun

ei·​co·​sa·​noid ī-ˈkō-sə-ˌnȯid 

: any of a class of compounds (as the prostaglandins, leukotrienes, and thromboxanes) derived from polyunsaturated fatty acids (as arachidonic acid) and involved in cellular activity