Definition of linolenic acid in English:
linolenic acid
noun ˌlɪnə(ʊ)ˈlɛnɪk-ˈliːnɪkˌlinəˈlēnik
mass nounChemistry A polyunsaturated fatty acid (with one more double bond than linoleic acid) present as a glyceride in linseed and other oils and essential in the human diet.
Chemical formula: C₁₇H₂₉COOH; several isomers, notably gamma-linolenic acid, present in evening primrose oil
Example sentencesExamples
- Since plants are capable of synthesizing linoleic and linolenic acid humans can acquire these fats by consuming a variety of plants or else by eating the meat of animals that have consumed these plant fats.
- Sources of the essential fatty acid linolenic acid are soybean oil, canola oil, walnuts and flaxseed.
- Manufacturers hydrogenate soybean oil to reduce its content of unsaturated fatty acids, particularly linolenic acid, the primary culprit responsible for causing food to become stale or rancid.
- Linoleic and linolenic acid are essential fatty acids that are needed to make critical compounds in the body.
- We must point out that two fatty acids are as important in the human diet as vitamins: linoleic and gamma-linolenic acid.
Origin
Late 19th century: from German Linolensaüre, from Linolsaüre 'linoleic acid', with the insertion of -en- (from -ene).