ar·a·chi·don·ic acid ( r  -k -d n k)n. An unsaturated fatty acid, C20H32O2, found in animal fats, that is essential in human nutrition and is a precursor in the biosynthesis of some prostaglandins. [From arachidic, of the groundnut, from New Latin Arachis, groundnut genus, from Greek arakis, arakid-, diminutive of arakos, a leguminous plant.] |
arachidonic acid [ˌærəkəˈdɒnɪk]
n
(Life Sciences & Allied Applications / Biochemistry) a fatty acid occurring in animal cells: the metabolic precursor of several groups of biologically active substances, including prostaglandins
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