FATTY ACID Meaning and
Definition
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A fatty acid is a type of organic acid that is commonly found in nature and serves as a crucial building block in the formation of fats and lipids. It is composed of a long chain of carbon atoms, typically ranging from four to twenty-four, with a carboxyl group (-COOH) at one end and a methyl group (-CH3) at the other. The carboxyl group gives fatty acids their acidic properties.
Fatty acids can be classified into two main categories: saturated and unsaturated. Saturated fatty acids have carbon atoms that are fully saturated with hydrogen atoms and do not contain any double bonds, resulting in a straight molecular structure. On the other hand, unsaturated fatty acids have one or more double bonds, leading to a bent or kinked shape. This difference in molecular structure affects their physical properties and nutritional value.
Fatty acids play a vital role in various physiological processes, including energy storage, cellular membrane structure, and hormone synthesis. They are primarily obtained through the consumption of dietary fats or synthesized by the body from excess carbohydrates or proteins.
Additionally, fatty acids are classified based on their chain length, such as short-chain, medium-chain, long-chain, and very-long-chain fatty acids. Each type has distinct characteristics and functions within the body.
Overall, fatty acids are essential components of a balanced diet and are involved in a multitude of biological processes, making them crucial for overall health and well-being.
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Any acid, especially oleic, palmaric, or stearic, which in combination with glycerin forms fat.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for FATTY ACID
- datty acid
- catty acid
- vatty acid
- gatty acid
- tatty acid
- ratty acid
- fztty acid
- fstty acid
- fwtty acid
- fqtty acid
- farty acid
- fafty acid
- fagty acid
- fayty acid
- fa6ty acid
- fa5ty acid
- fatry acid
- fatfy acid
- fatgy acid
Etymology of FATTY ACID
The term "fatty acid" is derived from the combination of two words: "fatty" and "acid".
The word "fatty" is derived from the Old French word "fati", which means "greasy" or "fatty". It can be traced back to the Latin word "paxillus", meaning "small stake" or "peg". In this context, it refers to the fat content in animals and plants.
The word "acid" is derived from the Latin word "acidus", which means "sour" or "sharp". It originates from the Latin verb "acēre", meaning "to be sour". "Acid" is used to describe substances that have a sour taste or a low pH level.
Similar spelling words for FATTY ACID
- Vita Sackville-West,
- branched-chain-fatty-acid kinase,
- wast feet,
- waste food,
- wast fate,
- food acid,
- Thesaurus:fatty acid,
- food waste,
- fat cat,
- food yeast,
- fittest,
- trans-fatty acid,
- fattest.
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