palmitic acid

noun

, Chemistry.

1. a white, crystalline, water-insoluble solid, C 1 6 H 3 2 O 2 , obtained by hydrolysis from palm oil and natural fats, in which it occurs as the glyceride, and from spermaceti: used in the manufacture of soap.

palmitic acid

/ pælˈmɪtɪk /

noun

1. a white crystalline solid that is a saturated fatty acid: used in the manufacture of soap and candles. Formula: (C 15 H 31 )COOH Systematic namehexadecanoic acid

palmitic acid

/ păl-mĭt′ĭk,päl-,pä-mĭt′- /

1. A saturated fatty acid occurring as combustible white crystals in many natural oils (such as spermaceti and palm oil) and fats. It is used in making soaps. Chemical formula: C 16 H 32 O 2 .

Word History and Origins

Origin of palmitic acid¹

First recorded in 1855–60

Word History and Origins

Origin of palmitic acid¹

C19: from French palmitique; see palm ², -ite ², -ic

Example Sentences

Results showed the palmitic acid prompted gene expression changes linked to an increase in inflammation in both microglia and neurons, though microglia had a wider range of affected inflammatory genes.

From Science Daily

A large, recent study found that lauric acid didn’t appear to raise heart disease risk quite as much as other types of saturated fatty acids, such as palmitic acid, which is substantial in butter.

From New York Times

Their discovery, called napalm after two of the constituents of its thickening agent, naphthenic acid and palmitic acid, is a burning gel, usually based on petroleum, that sticks to roofs, furniture and skin.

From Time

Butter is high in palmitic acid but also contains a smaller amount of oleic acid.

From New York Times

"The majority of studies support the concept that palmitic acid in palm oil raises LDL cholesterol," Clifton wrote in an editorial that accompanied Tholstrup's study in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.

From Reuters