linolenic acid

 
Pronunciation: /ˌlɪnə(ʊ)ˈlɛnɪk, -ˈliːnɪk/

noun

[mass noun] Chemistry
  • a polyunsaturated fatty acid (with one more double bond than linoleic acid) present as a glyceride in linseed and other oils and essential in the human diet.
    • Chemical formula: C17H29COOH; several isomers, notably gamma-linolenic acid, present in evening primrose oil

Origin:

late 19th century: from German Linolensaüre, from Linolsaüre 'linoleic acid', with the insertion of -en- (from -ene)