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Glite Dictionary
acylglycerol

acylglycerol

9.9
A substance in fats and oils made from glycerol and fatty acids, for example triglycerides
  • noun
  • /ˌeɪsɪlˈɡlɪsəˌrɔl/
  • Specialized
translation icon : acilglicerol
  • Triglycerides, a type of acylglycerol, are a major component of body fat in humans and animals.

Examples

  • Scientists measured the acylglycerol content in various vegetable oils to assess their purity.

  • The presence of free fatty acids and acylglycerol in the sample indicated it was derived from natural fats.

  • The acylglycerol content in the oil is quite high.

  • Many acylglycerols are found in natural fats.

  • Scientists measured the acylglycerol content in various vegetable oils to assess their purity.

  • The presence of free fatty acids and acylglycerol in the sample indicated it was derived from natural fats.

  • Triglycerides, a type of acylglycerol, are a major component of body fat in humans and animals.

Synonyms

glyceride
vsacylglycerol
  • Specialized
8.2

A substance in fats and oils made from glycerol and fatty acids

is defined alike but emphasizes formation from one or more fatty acids
glyceryl ester
vsacylglycerol
  • Specialized
7.7

A part of fats and oils that forms when glycerol and an acid join

is more specific by limiting the acid to fatty acids

Surface Forms

acylglycerol singular
acylglycerols plural

Morphology

acylglycerol = glycerol (semi-transparent) = acyl + glycerol

The word is compositionally acyl + glycerol and thus transparent to those with chemical knowledge, but it uses specialized combining form 'acyl' that is unfamiliar to an average B1 learner.

Etymology

Acylglycerol comes from acyl which means 'acid part' and glycerol which is like glycerin, a 'sweet liquid'. So an acylglycerol is a glycerol molecule with acid or fat parts attached, which is why these compounds form the fats and oils in food and in the body.