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Glite Dictionary
long-chain

long-chain

2 6.7
Having many atoms joined in a long line inside a molecule
  • adjective
  • /lɔŋ tʃeɪn/
  • Specialized
: de cadena larga
  • Fats are called triglycerides because they are composed of three long-chain fat molecules connected at one end by a glycerin molecule.
  • long-chain fatty acids
  • long-chain polyunsaturated
  • long-chain polyunsaturated fats

But when it leaks out, it starts to really become different types of short, medium and long chain fatty acids that are just seeping out.

Examples

  • For example, long-chain molecules that use carbon as the key connecting link appear both in interstellar space and in all forms of life.

    Academic text (1991)

  • The studies on artificial diets, in particular, have shown that long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids are extremely important for the survival of both the larvae and postlarvae.

    Academic text (1999)

  • Faster than the eye can follow, the first long-chain molecule starts to shift and mutate.

    Fiction book (1996)

  • One is by consuming the long-chain omega-3s primarily from marine sources.

    Academic text (2006)

  • There are two main types of Omega-3 fatty acids: short chain and long-chain.

    Blog text (9)

  • Algal DHA is another source of the long-chain omega-3 fatty acid DHA.

    Blog text (9)

  • Oolichan grease is high in vitamins A and E and beneficial long-chain polyunsaturated fats.

    Academic text (2004)

  • Reducing saturated fat and ensuring adequate intake of essential long-chain polyunsaturated fats appears to be most beneficial for preventing atherosclerosis.

    Academic text (2004)

  • Long-chain fatty acids, like those found in fish, are essential for brain health.

  • Many processed foods contain unhealthy long-chain saturated fats that can affect your health.

Surface Forms

long-chain positive

Morphology

long-chain = long + chain (transparent) = long + chain

A straightforward compound: the meaning is directly derived from 'long' + 'chain' (a chain that is long), which matches how learners interpret the phrase.

Etymology

Long-chain comes from the simple English parts long and chain, where chain is like a series of 'links' and long means 'many'. So a long-chain molecule is one with many atoms joined together like links in a long chain.