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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
Flax seed oil is another good choice and is rich in omega-3 fatty acids.
—
Clare Mulroy, USA TODAY, 3 Sep. 2024
In one, the cells break down fats into fatty acids, then quickly reassemble them back into new fats.
—
Michael Irving, New Atlas, 15 Aug. 2024
The fatty acids extracted from cod liver oil have been shown to cause a significant reduction of herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) activity on the skin.
—
Hannah Coakley, Msph, Rdn, Verywell Health, 31 July 2024
Flaxseed Flaxseed is an edible seed containing high omega-3 fatty acids, alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), and fiber.
—
Kirstyn Hill, Pharmd, Mph, Health, 13 Aug. 2024
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These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'fatty acid.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
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 12 Sep. 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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