lin·o·len·ic acid  (lĭn'ə-lěn'ĭk)  n. An unsaturated fatty acid, C17H29COOH, considered essential to the human diet, that is an important component of natural drying oils. [Blend of linoleic acid and -ene.] |
| linolenic acid (lĭn'ə-lěn'ĭk) Pronunciation Key
An unsaturated fatty acid that has three double bonds and is a nutrient essential to the formation of prostaglandins in the human body. Linolenic acid belongs to the class of omega-3 fatty acids. It is an important component of natural drying oils (such as linseed oil) and is also found in some fish oils. Chemical formula: C18H30O2. |