fatty acid

noun

1

: any of numerous saturated aliphatic monocarboxylic acids C_nH_2n+1COOH (such as acetic acid) including many that occur naturally usually in the form of esters in fats, waxes, and essential oils

2

: any of the saturated or unsaturated monocarboxylic acids (such as palmitic acid) usually with an even number of carbon atoms that occur naturally in the form of glycerides in fats and fatty oils

Examples of fatty acid in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Heart health: Like the flesh of the salmon, salmon skin contains omega-3 fatty acids. —Sarah Anzlovar, Ms, Rd, Verywell Health, 17 Jan. 2025

These fats are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which have anti-inflammatory properties and help protect against heart disease. —Quora, Forbes, 17 Jan. 2025

Natural fiber encourages the production of probiotic bacteria in the gut, which specialize in ramping up the production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs). —New Atlas, 15 Jan. 2025

Beneficial gut bacteria convert fiber into anti-inflammatory short-chain fatty acids, which protect the gut barrier. —Don Rauf, EverydayHealth.com, 14 Jan. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1838, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

fatty acid

noun

: any of numerous acids that contain only carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen and occur naturally in fats and various oils

Medical Definition

fatty acid

noun

1

: any of numerous saturated aliphatic acids C_nH_2n+1COOH (as lauric acid) containing a single carboxyl group and including many that occur naturally usually in the form of esters in fats, waxes, and essential oils

2

: any of the saturated or unsaturated organic acids (as palmitic acid) that have a single carboxyl group and usually an even number of carbon atoms and that occur naturally in the form of glycerides in fats and fatty oils