omega-3

Definitions of omega-3

1. noun

   a polyunsaturated fatty acid whose carbon chain has its first double valence bond three carbons from the beginning
   synonyms: omega-3 fatty acid

   types:

   alpha-linolenic acid

   a polyunsaturated fatty acid with 18 carbon atoms; the only omega-3 fatty acid found in vegetable products; it is most abundant in canola oil; a fatty acid essential for nutrition

   docosahexaenoic acid

   an omega-3 fatty acid with 22 carbon atoms; found in fish (especially tuna and bluefish)

   eicosapentaenoic acid

   an omega-3 fatty acid with 20 carbon atoms; found in fish (especially tuna and bluefish)

   type of:

   polyunsaturated fatty acid

   an unsaturated fatty acid whose carbon chain has more than one double or triple valence bond per molecule; found chiefly in fish and corn and soybean oil and safflower oil