trans-fatty acid

noun

trans-fat·​ty acid ˈtran(t)s-ˈfa-tē- How to pronounce trans-fatty acid (audio) ˈtranz- How to pronounce trans-fatty acid (audio)
: an unsaturated fatty acid characterized by a trans arrangement of alkyl chains that is formed especially during the hydrogenation of vegetable oils and has been linked to an increase in blood cholesterol

Word History

First Known Use

1953, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of trans-fatty acid was in 1953

Dictionary Entries Near trans-fatty acid

Cite this Entry

“Trans-fatty acid.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/trans-fatty%20acid. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.

Medical Definition

trans-fatty acid

noun
: any of various unsaturated fatty acids that are characterized by a trans arrangement of alkyl chains, that are formed especially during the hydrogenation of vegetable oils, and that have been linked to an increase in blood cholesterol

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