omega-3

adjective

ome·​ga-3 ō-ˈmā-gə-ˈthrē How to pronounce omega-3 (audio)
-ˈmē-,
-ˈme- How to pronounce omega-3 (audio)
: being or composed of polyunsaturated fatty acids that have the final double bond in the hydrocarbon chain between the third and fourth carbon atoms from the end of the molecule opposite that of the carboxyl group and that are found especially in fish, fish oils, green leafy vegetables, and some nuts and vegetable oils compare omega-6
omega-3 noun

Examples of omega-3 in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Different people respond differently sometimes to similar types of food, but foods that generally help with cognition include things like: olive oil and omega-3 fatty acids, so healthy fats. Emily Cegielski, Flow Space, 28 Oct. 2024 Instead, opting for healthy foods such as whole grains, vegetables, fruits, and foods high in omega-3 fatty acids can help reduce the severity of chronic fatigue.2 2. Anna Giorgi, Verywell Health, 25 Oct. 2024 Unsaturated fats such as omega-3 fats, walnuts, chia seeds, flaxseed, avocados, and fatty fish such as salmon can also support a healthy microbiome. Christopher Damman, Discover Magazine, 23 Oct. 2024 Unsaturated fats such as omega-3 fats, walnuts, chia seeds, flaxseed, avocados and fatty fish such as salmon can also support a healthy microbiome. Christopher Damman, The Conversation, 23 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for omega-3 

Word History

First Known Use

1967, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of omega-3 was in 1967

Dictionary Entries Near omega-3

Cite this Entry

“Omega-3.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/omega-3. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.

Medical Definition

omega-3

adjective
ome·​ga-3 -ˈthrē How to pronounce omega-3 (audio)
variants also Omega-3
: being or composed of polyunsaturated fats that have the first double bond in the hydrocarbon chain occurring between the third and fourth carbon atoms from the end of the molecule most distant from the carboxylic acid group and that are found especially in fish, fish oils, green leafy vegetables, and some nuts and seeds
The two main omega-3 fatty acids in fish oil … appear to reduce the risk of dying from sudden cardiac arrest by about 30 percent.Nutrition Action Health Letter
compare omega-6
omega-3 noun
also Omega-3
Some plants, such as linseed, naturally produce an omega-3 called alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), and one way to increase the amount of omega-3 in our diet is to eat these plants … Andy Coghlan, New Scientist
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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