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fatty acid
noun
1
: any of numerous saturated aliphatic monocarboxylic acids CnH2n+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
Omega-3 fatty acid intake can also reduce your risk for dry eye syndrome.
—Lana Barhum, Verywell Health, 31 Oct. 2024
Emollients are lipids that act like grout between skin cells to prevent that water from evaporating; Dr. Kim points to ceramides and fatty acids.
—Emily Orofino, Allure, 24 Oct. 2024
Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) are omega-3 fatty acids thought to increase muscle mass and strength.
—Elizabeth Barnes, Verywell Health, 30 Oct. 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
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Word History
First Known Use
1838, in the meaning defined at sense 1
Dictionary Entries Near fatty acid
Cite this Entry
“Fatty acid.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fatty%20acid. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.
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
noun1
: any of numerous saturated aliphatic acids CnH2n+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
More from Merriam-Webster on fatty acid
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about fatty acid
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