Definition

Noun: 1. A fatty acid: Oleic acid is a monounsaturated omega-9 fatty acid that is a colorless or pale yellow oily liquid at room temperature. It is a major component of many animal and vegetable fats and oils. 2. A chemical compound: Its systematic name is (9Z)-octadec-9-enoic acid, with the chemical formula C₁₈H₃₄O₂. It is classified as a carboxylic acid.

Usage

• Oleic acid is a key constituent in the production of various everyday products.
• It is studied in nutritional and biochemical contexts for its properties and effects.

Examples

• As a component:
  • Olive oil is prized for its high content of oleic acid.
  • The soap was formulated using oleic acid as a base.
• In scientific context:
  • The researchers analyzed the percentage of oleic acid in the new canola hybrid.
  • Oleic acid can influence the fluidity of cell membranes.

Advanced Usage

• "Free oleic acid": Refers to the acid in its unbound form, not esterified as part of a glyceride or other compound.
  • The test measures the level of free oleic acid in the sample.
• "Oleic acid content": A common phrase used to describe the proportion of this acid in a fat or oil.
  • The oleic acid content of this cooking oil exceeds 70%.

Variants and Related Words

• Oleate (noun): A salt or ester of oleic acid.
  • Sodium oleate is a common soap.
• Olein (noun): A triglyceride ester of oleic acid; a major component of liquid fats.
  • The liquid fraction of the fat is rich in olein.

Synonyms

• (9Z)-Octadecenoic acid: The precise IUPAC chemical name.
• cis-9-Octadecenoic acid: A descriptive chemical synonym emphasizing the cis configuration of the double bond.

Related Phrases and Terms

• Omega-9 fatty acid: The family of unsaturated fats to which oleic acid belongs.
  • Unlike essential fatty acids, the body can produce some omega-9s like oleic acid.
• Monounsaturated fat: The category of fats characterized by having one double bond, with oleic acid being a primary example.
  • Diets high in monounsaturated fats, such as oleic acid, are often recommended for heart health.

Noun

1. a colorless oily liquid occurring as a glyceride; it is the major fatty acid in olive oil and canola oil; used in making soap and cosmetics and ointments and lubricating oils