fatty acid

noun

: an acid that is naturally in fats and various oils

Full Definition of FATTY ACID

: any of numerous saturated aliphatic monocarboxylic acids C_nH_2n₊₁COOH (as acetic acid) including many that occur naturally usually in the form of esters in fats, waxes, and essential oils

: any of the saturated or unsaturated monocarboxylic acids (as palmitic acid) usually with an even number of carbon atoms that occur naturally in the form of glycerides in fats and fatty oils

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First Known Use of FATTY ACID

1838

Medical Dictionary

fatty acid

noun

Medical Definition of FATTY ACID

: any of numerous saturated aliphatic acids C_nH₂_n₊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

: 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