omega-3

adjective

ome·​ga-3 ō-ˈmā-gə-ˈthrē How to pronounce omega-3 (audio)
-ˈmē-,
-ˈme- How to pronounce omega-3 (audio)
: being or composed of polyunsaturated fatty acids that have the final double bond in the hydrocarbon chain between the third and fourth carbon atoms from the end of the molecule opposite that of the carboxyl group and that are found especially in fish, fish oils, green leafy vegetables, and some nuts and vegetable oils compare omega-6
omega-3 noun

Examples of omega-3 in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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Talk to your healthcare provider about balancing your intake of omega-3 and omega-6 fats. Jillian Kubala, Health, 26 May 2025 Salmon and Fatty Fish Fatty fish, like salmon, are packed with protein, heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids, and other health-promoting nutrients. Jamie Johnson, Verywell Health, 22 May 2025 That’s because, while many foods are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, fish oil specifically contains two out of the three most popular sources of omega-3s: eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Brianna Peters, Vogue, 18 May 2025 Flax contains properties such as alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) omega-3 fatty acids and lignans, which are responsible for anti-aging, reducing inflammation, preventing disease and protecting overall brain and heart health, according to DeCicco. Angelica Stabile, FOXNews.com, 15 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for omega-3

Word History

First Known Use

1967, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of omega-3 was in 1967

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Cite this Entry

“Omega-3.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/omega-3. Accessed 4 Jun. 2025.

Medical Definition

omega-3

adjective
ome·​ga-3 -ˈthrē How to pronounce omega-3 (audio)
variants also Omega-3
: being or composed of polyunsaturated fats that have the first double bond in the hydrocarbon chain occurring between the third and fourth carbon atoms from the end of the molecule most distant from the carboxylic acid group and that are found especially in fish, fish oils, green leafy vegetables, and some nuts and seeds
The two main omega-3 fatty acids in fish oil … appear to reduce the risk of dying from sudden cardiac arrest by about 30 percent.Nutrition Action Health Letter
compare omega-6
omega-3 noun
also Omega-3
Some plants, such as linseed, naturally produce an omega-3 called alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), and one way to increase the amount of omega-3 in our diet is to eat these plants … Andy Coghlan, New Scientist
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