linoleic acid


noun Chemistry.

an unsaturated fatty acid, C18H32O2, occurring as a glyceride in drying oils, as in linseed oil.
Also li·no·lic ac·id [luh-noh-lik] /ləˈnoʊ lɪk/.

Origin of linoleic acid

First recorded in 1855–60

Words nearby linoleic acid

British Dictionary definitions for linoleic acid

linoleic acid
/ (ˌlɪnəʊˈliːɪk) /

noun

a colourless oily essential fatty acid found in many natural oils, such as linseed: used in the manufacture of soaps, emulsifiers, and driers. Formula: C 18 H 32 O 2

Word Origin for linoleic acid

C19: from Latin līnum flax + oleic acid; so named because it is found in linseed oil

Medical definitions for linoleic acid

linoleic acid
[ lĭn′ə-lēĭk ]

n.

An unsaturated fatty acid considered essential to the human diet.

Scientific definitions for linoleic acid

linoleic acid
[ lĭn′ə-lēĭk ]

An unsaturated fatty acid that has two double bonds and is a nutrient essential for prostaglandin production in the human body. It is an important component of many vegetable oils, such as linseed, soybean, peanut, corn, and safflower oil, and is also found in meat and dairy products. Chemical formula: C18H32O2.