omega-3

adjective

ome·​ga-3 ō-ˈmā-gə-ˈthrē 

-ˈmē-,

-ˈme- 

: 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

So, foods like salmon, high in anti-inflammatory compounds such as omega-3, can help bring balance. —David Faris, Newsweek, 3 Nov. 2024

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

Word History

First Known Use

1967, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

omega-3

adjective

ome·​ga-3 -ˈthrē 

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