polyunsaturated

adjective

poly·​un·​sat·​u·​rat·​ed ˌpä-lē-ˌən-ˈsa-chə-ˌrā-təd How to pronounce polyunsaturated (audio)
: having more than one double or triple bond between carbon atoms in a hydrocarbon chain
—used especially of an oil, fat, or fatty acid
Polyunsaturated oils are liquid at room temperature and in the refrigerator.—University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
 see also polyunsaturated fat compare monounsaturated
polyunsaturate
ˌpä-lē-ˌən-ˈsa-chə-rət How to pronounce polyunsaturated (audio)
noun
plural polyunsaturates
In 1985, they reported that monounsaturates lowered total blood cholesterol just as well as polyunsaturates. —Consumer Reports

Examples of polyunsaturated 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.
In the Swedish study, higher meat intake was linked to lower cholesterol levels and a lower ratio of saturated to polyunsaturated fat — factors that are closely tied to better brain health. — Tom Gavin, EverydayHealth.com, 23 Mar. 2026 Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids have been shown to lower blood pressure, boost good cholesterol, maintain cell health, and reduce the risk for cancer, dementia, and Alzheimer's disease. — Michele Laufik, Martha Stewart, 26 June 2026 Healthy fats like olive oil, avocado oil, and flaxseed oil contain heart-healthy monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats that can help reduce inflammation and support overall health. — Julie Scott, Verywell Health, 22 June 2026 Hemp Seeds Hemp seeds are often recommended in heart-healthy diets due to their impressive levels of magnesium and polyunsaturated fats, including omega-3 fatty acids. — Jillian Kubala, Health, 25 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for polyunsaturated

Word History

First Known Use

1921, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of polyunsaturated was in 1921

Phrases Containing polyunsaturated

Rhymes for polyunsaturated

See All Rhymes for polyunsaturated

Browse Nearby Words

polytypic
polyunsaturated
polyunsaturated fat
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Polyunsaturated.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/polyunsaturated. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

polyunsaturated

adjective
poly·​un·​sat·​u·​rat·​ed ˈpäl-ē-ˌən-ˈsach-ə-ˌrāt-əd How to pronounce polyunsaturated (audio)
of an oil or fatty acid
: having many double or triple bonds in a molecule

Medical Definition

polyunsaturated

adjective
poly·​un·​sat·​u·​rat·​ed ˌpäl-ē-ˌən-ˈsach-ə-ˌrāt-əd How to pronounce polyunsaturated (audio)
: having more than one double or triple bond between carbon atoms in a hydrocarbon chain
—used especially of an oil, fat, or fatty acid
… olive oil and polyunsaturated safflower oil both lowered human blood levels of LDLs, the cholesterol most closely linked with a higher risk of heart disease and stroke.—Science
see also polyunsaturated fat compare monounsaturated
polyunsaturate
ˌpäl-ē-ˌən-ˈsach-ə-rət How to pronounce polyunsaturated (audio)
noun
When mammals ingest plant lipids, the polyunsaturates consumed are incorporated into their body fats … —Craig L. Frank, Ecology

More from Merriam-Webster on polyunsaturated

Nglish: Translation of polyunsaturated for Spanish Speakers

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