an essential fatty acid, C20H32O2, found in the lipids of most tissues, that is a precursor in the synthesis of prostaglandins, prostacyclins, and related effectors.
ar·a·chi·don·ic acid (ār'ə-kĭ-dŏn'ĭk) n. An unsaturated fatty acid, C20H32O2, found in animal fats, that is essential in human nutrition and is a precursor in the biosynthesis of some prostaglandins.
[From arachidic, of the groundnut, from New Latin Arachis, groundnut genus, from Greek arakis, arakid-, diminutive of arakos, a leguminous plant.]
Main Entry: ar·a·chi·don·ic acid Pronunciation: "ar-&-k&-"dän-ik- Function: noun : a liquid unsaturated fatty acidC20H32O2 that occurs in most animal fats, is a precursor of prostaglandins, and is considered essential in animal nutrition
arachidonic acid ar·a·chi·don·ic acid (ār'ə-kĭ-dŏn'ĭk) n. An unsaturated fatty acid found in animal fats, that is essential in human nutrition and is a precursor in the biosynthesis of some prostaglandins.