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

Those that may be most helpful include glucosamine, chondroitin, curcumin, and omega-3 fatty acids. —Ashley Wong, Health, 2 Jan. 2025

There are now lots of vegan cheese options that taste surprisingly similar, and the ones made from ground pine nuts are full of protein and important fatty acids. —Anna Bader, Glamour, 2 Jan. 2025

The treatment is infused with argan oil, which has omega-6 and omega-9 fatty acids that support the skin barrier. —Jenny Berg, Allure, 1 Jan. 2025

As the name suggests, essential skin lipids are the stars here: ceramides, natural cholesterol, and fatty acids. —Kiana Murden, Vogue, 24 Dec. 2024

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