arachidonic acid

American

[ar-uh-ki-don-ik, ar-] / ˈær ə kɪˈdɒn ɪk, ˌær- /

noun

Biochemistry.

an essential fatty acid, C 20 H 32 O 2 , found in the lipids of most tissues, that is a precursor in the synthesis of prostaglandins, prostacyclins, and related effectors.

arachidonic acid British

/ ˌærəkəˈdɒnɪk /

noun

a fatty acid occurring in animal cells: the metabolic precursor of several groups of biologically active substances, including prostaglandins

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of arachidonic acid

First recorded in 1910–15; arachid(ic) + -onic

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

"Nestle has undertaken testing of all arachidonic acid oil and corresponding oil mixes used in the production of potentially impacted infant nutrition products," it said on its website.

From Barron's

But there’s simply not good enough evidence to support this; while it’s true that one compound produced as your body breaks down omega-6s, arachidonic acid, is linked to inflammation, other breakdown products actually help fight inflammation.

From Salon

Researchers found that higher levels of arachidonic acid, a polyunsaturated omega-6 fatty acid obtained from foods like poultry, seafood and eggs, led to a lower risk of bipolar disorder.

From Salon

Conversely, lower levels of arachidonic acid led to a higher risk of bipolar disorder.

From Salon

Most of them were lipids, including arachidonic acid and other complex lipids containing either an arachidonic or a linoleic fatty acid side chain, the study specified.

From Salon

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023