Omega-3 Fatty Acid Definition

ōmāgəthrē, ōmeggəthrē

noun

A type of polyunsaturated fatty acid in fish oil, shellfish, soybeans, etc., that is associated with lowering cholesterol and LDL levels when consumed in certain amounts.

Webster's New World

Any of several polyunsaturated fatty acids that are found in leafy green vegetables, vegetable oils, and fish such as salmon and mackerel, have anticoagulant properties, and decrease serum concentrations of triglycerides and LDL while increasing HDL.

American Heritage

Synonyms:

Synonyms:
omega-3

Other Word Forms of Omega-3 Fatty Acid

Noun

Singular:

omega-3 fatty acid

Plural:

omega-3 fatty acids

Origin of Omega-3 Fatty Acid

So called because the first double bond in the chain of carbon atoms in such fatty acids is found between the third and fourth atoms when counted from the omega end of the chain

From American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition
So called because the first double bond in the chain of carbon atoms in such fatty acids is found between the third and fourth atoms when counted from the omega end of the chain

From American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition