omega-6

adjective

ome·ga-6

ō-ˈmā-gə-ˈsiks,

-ˈmē-,

-ˈme-

: being or composed of polyunsaturated fatty acids in which the first double bond in the hydrocarbon chain occurs between the sixth and seventh carbon atoms from the end of the molecule most distant from the carboxylic acid group and which are found especially in vegetable oils, nuts, beans, seeds, and grains compare omega-3

omega-6 noun

Examples of omega-6 in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Talk to your healthcare provider about balancing your intake of omega-3 and omega-6 fats. — Jillian Kubala, Health, 4 Feb. 2026 Two tablespoons of hemp seeds have just as much protein as two egg whites—along with all nine essential amino acids (a rarity), omega-3, and omega-6. — Margaux Anbouba, Vogue, 25 Mar. 2026 The main omega-6 fat found in nuts is linoleic acid, which is key for heart health and lowering LDL cholesterol, studies show. — Matt Fuchs, Time, 26 June 2026 The core claim of the seed oil panic is that linoleic acid — an omega-6 fatty acid in these oils — drives systemic inflammation, which drives chronic disease. — Cole Hanson, STAT, 22 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for omega-6

Word History

First Known Use

1976, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of omega-6 was in 1976

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omega-3

omega-6

omegatron

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“Omega-6.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/omega-6. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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Medical Definition

omega-6

adjective

ome·ga-6 -ˈsiks

variants also Omega-6

: being or composed of polyunsaturated fats that have the first double bond in the hydrocarbon chain occurring between the sixth and seventh carbon atoms from the end of the molecule most distant from the carboxylic acid group and that are found especially in vegetable oils, nuts, beans, seeds, and grains

Omega-6 fats, which we get mainly from vegetable oils, are also beneficial. They lower harmful LDL cholesterol and boost protective HDL.—Harvard Health Newsletter

compare omega-3

omega-6 noun

also Omega-6

Some experts, notably ones affiliated with the American Heart Association, credit our current intake of omega-6s with lowering the incidence of cardiovascular disease. Others, which include biochemists, say the relatively high intake of omega-6 is a reason for a slew of chronic illnesses … —Rajendrani Mukhopadhyay, The American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Today

omega-6

adjective

Examples of omega-6 in a Sentence

Word History

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Medical Definition

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