linoleic acid

noun

lin·​o·​le·​ic acid ˌli-nə-ˈlē-ik-  -ˈlā- 

: a liquid unsaturated fatty acid C₁₈H₃₂O₂ found especially in semidrying oils (such as corn oil) and essential for the nutrition of some animals

Examples of linoleic acid in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Many people have a significant imbalance of omega-6 to omega-3 in their bodies — a November 2015 study found levels of linoleic acid have increased by 136% in the fat tissue of Americans over the past half century. —Sandee Lamotte, CNN, 11 Dec. 2024

With a delicate taste reminiscent of hazelnuts, pumpkin seed oil is rich in valuable essential fatty acids such as linoleic acid, which, according to the European Food Safety Authority, contributes to the maintenance of optimal blood cholesterol levels. —Valentina Bottoni, Vogue, 25 Nov. 2024

Conjugated Linoleic Acid Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) is a product containing the fatty acid linoleic acid. —Kirstyn Hill, Pharmd, Mph, Health, 20 Nov. 2024

This is packed with linoleic acid, oat kernel, and silver mushroom to soothe and nourish the skin. —Kiana Murden, Vogue, 8 July 2024

Word History

Etymology

Greek linon flax + International Scientific Vocabulary oleic (acid)

First Known Use

1857, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

linoleic acid

noun

lin·​ole·​ic acid ˌlin-ə-ˌlē-ik-  -ˌlā- 

: a liquid unsaturated fatty acid C₁₈H₃₂O₂ found especially in semidrying oils (as peanut oil) and essential for the nutrition of some animals

called also linolic acid