Fatty Acid

**Semantic type:** Biologically Active Substance|Chemical Viewed Structurally|Organic Chemical

**Definition:** Monobasic, aliphatic acids with varying chain lengths between 6 and 30. Fatty acids are a major constituent in all fats and can be either saturated, monounsaturated, or polyunsaturated. Saturated and monounsaturated fatty acids are synthesized by the body, whereas polyunsaturated fatty acids are not and must be obtained in the diet. (NCI)

**Synonyms:** - Fatty Acids - fatty acid