unsaturated

adjective

un·​sat·​u·​rat·​ed ˌən-ˈsa-chə-ˌrā-təd 

: not saturated: such as

a

: capable of absorbing or dissolving more of something

an unsaturated solution

b

: able to form products by chemical addition

especially : having at least one double or triple bond between carbon atoms in a hydrocarbon chain

—used especially of an oil, fat, or fatty acid

unsaturated fatty acids

see also unsaturated fat compare saturated sense 2b

Examples of unsaturated in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Is sesame oil good for you? More than 80% of sesame oil is made up of healthy, unsaturated fats, says Vanroo. —Caroline C. Boyle, USA TODAY, 12 Sep. 2024

Imagine olive oil, with its high concentration of unsaturated fat, remaining liquid in the refrigerator. —Byelizabeth Pennisi, science.org, 5 Sep. 2024

Finally, nuts’ unsaturated fats are actually a good thing for weight loss. —Sarah Garone, Health, 8 Aug. 2024

Macadamia nuts are a good source of several nutrients important for overall health, like fiber, unsaturated fat, and manganese. —Jillian Kubala, Health, 7 Aug. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1756, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing unsaturated

• unsaturated fat

Kids Definition

unsaturated

adjective

un·​sat·​u·​rat·​ed ˌən-ˈsach-ə-ˌrāt-əd 

ˈən-

: not saturated: as

a

: capable of absorbing or dissolving more of something

an unsaturated solution

b

: able to form products by combining chemically with other substances

especially : containing double or triple bonds between carbon atoms

an unsaturated fat

Medical Definition

unsaturated

adjective

un·​sat·​u·​rat·​ed -ˈsach-ə-ˌrāt-əd 

: not saturated: as

a

: capable of absorbing or dissolving more of something

an unsaturated solution

b

: able to form products by chemical addition

especially : having at least one double or triple bond between carbon atoms in a hydrocarbon chain

—used especially of an oil, fat, or fatty acid

unsaturated fatty acids

see also unsaturated fat compare saturated sense 2