omega-3 fatty acid
[ oh-mee-guh-three, oh-mey-, oh-meg-uh- ]
/ oʊˈmi gəˈθri, oʊˈmeɪ-, oʊˈmɛg ə- /
noun
a polyunsaturated fatty acid, essential for normal retinal function, that influences various metabolic pathways, resulting in lowered cholesterol and triglyceride levels, inhibited platelet clotting, and reduced inflammatory and immune reactions.
Also called
n-3 fatty acid.
Origin of omega-3 fatty acid
so named because its 1st double bond occurs after the 3rd carbon atom counting from the methyl or
omega end of the molecule
Words nearby omega-3 fatty acid
omdurman,
omega,
omega baryon,
omega meson,
omega minus,
omega-3 fatty acid,
omega-c baryon,
omega-minus particle,
omega-oxidation theory,
omelet,
omelette
British Dictionary definitions for omega-3 fatty acid
omega-3 fatty acid
noun
an unsaturated fatty acid that occurs naturally in fish oil and is valuable in reducing blood-cholesterol levels
Medical definitions for omega-3 fatty acid
omega-3 fatty acid
n.
Any of various polyunsaturated fatty acids that are found primarily in fish, fish oils, vegetable oils, and leafy green vegetables, and that seem to reduce the risk of stroke and heart attack.
Scientific definitions for omega-3 fatty acid
omega-3 fatty acid
Any of several polyunsaturated fatty acids found in leafy green vegetables, vegetable oils, and cold-water fish such as salmon and mackerel. These acids are capable of reducing serum cholesterol levels and have anticoagulant properties. Omega-3 fatty acids are chemically characterized by having a double bond three carbon atoms away from one end of their carbon chain.