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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
Bile, which is produced by the liver and stored in the gallbladder, aids with digestion by breaking down fats into fatty acids that can be more easily used by the body.
—San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 May 2024
Pairing the tilapia with a walnut crust gives the dish texture, and provides additional omega-3 fatty acids, along with folate, calcium and potassium.
—Bethany Thayer, Detroit Free Press, 11 May 2024
The issue remains contentious among scientists, as eating a lot of fish also has known health benefits such as increasing intake of omega-3 fatty acids, which are protective against cardiovascular disease.
—David Cox, WIRED, 9 May 2024
The thick, emollient formula is powered by nourishing grapeseed oil, plus, moisturizing powerhouse shea butter and oils like desert dates rich in fatty acids for lasting hydration.
—Nikhita Mahtani, Allure, 22 Apr. 2024
Here are several examples of anti-inflammatory foods include to reference:
Fish includes omega-3 fatty acids that can help with inflammation.
—Dominique Fluker, Essence, 15 Apr. 2024
Lipolysis is the process through which fats are broken down into fatty acids.
—Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 3 Apr. 2024
The products contain hyaluronic acid microspheres to help smooth fine lines and wrinkles, along with a peptide complex to enhance youthful skin, fatty acids to help protect and restore, and collagen stabilizer to help moisturize and provide a smoothing effect.
—Dahvi Shira, Forbes, 28 Mar. 2024
The fat is made of compounds called fatty acids that may reduce pain and swelling.
—Elizabeth Barnes, Verywell Health, 28 Feb. 2024
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 28 May. 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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