linoleic acid

noun

, Chemistry.

1. an unsaturated fatty acid, C 18 H 32 O 2 , occurring as a glyceride in drying oils, as in linseed oil.

linoleic acid

/ ˌlɪnəʊˈliːɪk /

noun

1. 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

linoleic acid

/ lĭn′ə-lē′ĭk /

1. 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: C 18 H 32 O 2 .

Word History and Origins

Origin of linoleic acid¹

First recorded in 1855–60

Word History and Origins

Origin of linoleic acid¹

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

Example Sentences

There is some evidence linoleic acid can be converted to arachidonic acid in the body and this may play a role in inflammation.

From Salon

Differences between the two soybean oils suggest that polyunsaturated fatty acids in unmodified soybean oil, primarily linoleic acid, play a role in altering gene expression.

From Science Daily

However, only a small percentage of linoleic acid is converted to arachidonic acid — which is also a building block for compounds that fight inflammation.

From Seattle Times

Dr. Wechsler often points her patients toward the grocery aisle for safflower oil, which is similar to linoleic acid, a fatty acid in the skin, and can be applied topically.

From New York Times

The review included 32 randomized trials testing supplements of omega-3, linoleic acid and polyunsaturated fatty acids with 41,467 participants.

From New York Times