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
Example Sentences
Recent Examples on the Web Such yolks are also tastier and higher in omega-3 fatty acid. 
Dr. Michael Daignault, USA TODAY, 21 July 2022 One of these compounds, butyrate, is a fatty acid believed to lower inflammation. Anchorage Daily News, 21 July 2022 Genetic mutations in the HEXA gene on chromosome 15 disrupt the formation of the lipid metabolizing enzyme beta-hexosaminidase A, resulting in the toxic buildup of a fatty acid compound called GM2 ganglioside inside nerve cells. Gary Stix, Scientific American, 18 July 2022 However, studies have found that the APOE ε4 variation may result in depositing more fatty acid buildup than the other members of the APOE family, thus leading scientists to believe there is a cholesterol pathway to Alzheimer’s. Sandee Lamotte, CNN, 30 June 2022 Agent Nateur’s natural body serum is designed to help reduce the appearance of cellulite with a potent combination of fatty acid-rich Japanese rice bran, rosehip, and helichrysum oils that hydrate and tone with a dewy finish. Lauren Valenti, Vogue, 24 May 2022 Flaxseed is an excellent source of alpha-linolenic acid—the aforementioned ALA—which is an omega-3 essential fatty acid, said Shasa. Perri O. Blumberg, Men's Health, 23 June 2022 Cupuacu butter is a fatty acid that dives deep into the skin to nourish and moisturize. Grooming Playbook, The Salt Lake Tribune, 26 May 2022 Corn contributes vitamins and minerals and is a rich source of linoleic acid, an essential fatty acid that dogs must get in their diets, according to the Cummings Veterinary Medical Center at Tufts University. Mike Snider, USA TODAY, 22 May 2022 See More
Dr. Michael Daignault, USA TODAY, 21 July 2022 One of these compounds, butyrate, is a fatty acid believed to lower inflammation. Anchorage Daily News, 21 July 2022 Genetic mutations in the HEXA gene on chromosome 15 disrupt the formation of the lipid metabolizing enzyme beta-hexosaminidase A, resulting in the toxic buildup of a fatty acid compound called GM2 ganglioside inside nerve cells. Gary Stix, Scientific American, 18 July 2022 However, studies have found that the APOE ε4 variation may result in depositing more fatty acid buildup than the other members of the APOE family, thus leading scientists to believe there is a cholesterol pathway to Alzheimer’s. Sandee Lamotte, CNN, 30 June 2022 Agent Nateur’s natural body serum is designed to help reduce the appearance of cellulite with a potent combination of fatty acid-rich Japanese rice bran, rosehip, and helichrysum oils that hydrate and tone with a dewy finish. Lauren Valenti, Vogue, 24 May 2022 Flaxseed is an excellent source of alpha-linolenic acid—the aforementioned ALA—which is an omega-3 essential fatty acid, said Shasa. Perri O. Blumberg, Men's Health, 23 June 2022 Cupuacu butter is a fatty acid that dives deep into the skin to nourish and moisturize. Grooming Playbook, The Salt Lake Tribune, 26 May 2022 Corn contributes vitamins and minerals and is a rich source of linoleic acid, an essential fatty acid that dogs must get in their diets, according to the Cummings Veterinary Medical Center at Tufts University. Mike Snider, USA TODAY, 22 May 2022 See More Word History
First Known Use
1838, in the meaning defined at sense 1
Medical Definition
fatty acid
noun
1
: 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