How Do You Spell ARACHIDIC ACID?

Pronunciation: [ɐɹɐkˈɪdɪk ˈasɪd] (IPA)

Arachidic acid is a fatty acid that is commonly found in peanut oil and other plant oils. The spelling of this word can be explained using IPA phonetic transcription. The first syllable, "ara," is pronounced as /ˈærə/, with a short "a" sound followed by a schwa sound. The second syllable, "chi," is pronounced as /ki/, with a hard "k" sound followed by a long "ee" sound. The final syllable, "dic," is pronounced as /dɪk/, with a short "i" sound followed by a hard "c" sound. Overall, the pronunciation of "arachidic acid" is /ˌærəˈkɪdɪk ˈæsəd/.

Meaning and Definition
Etymology
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ARACHIDIC ACID Meaning and Definition

  1. Arachidic acid is a saturated fatty acid that is primarily found in peanuts (Arachis hypogaea) and other legumes. It is a long-chain fatty acid with a molecular formula of C20H40O2 and a structure that consists of 20 carbon atoms with a carboxylic acid group (-COOH) at one end. Its systematic name is icosanoic acid.

    Arachidic acid is a solid, waxy substance that is insoluble in water but soluble in organic solvents. It is commonly used in the manufacturing of various products including cosmetics, lubricants, plastics, and coatings due to its lubricating and emulsifying properties. Additionally, it is utilized in the synthesis of pharmaceutical drugs and soaps.

    In terms of its biological role, arachidic acid is considered a non-essential fatty acid as it can be synthesized by the human body. It is an important component of cell membranes and lipoproteins, playing a vital role in maintaining their structure and function. Furthermore, it serves as a precursor for the synthesis of other lipid molecules such as prostaglandins, which are involved in various physiological processes.

    Although arachidic acid is generally considered safe for consumption, excessive intake of saturated fatty acids has been associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases. Therefore, it is recommended to consume it in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

Etymology of ARACHIDIC ACID

The word "arachidic" originates from the scientific name of the peanut plant, Arachis hypogaea, which belongs to the Fabaceae family. Arachidic acid is a saturated fatty acid that was first isolated from peanut oil. Its name is derived from the Latin word "Arachis", meaning "peanut". Thus, "arachidic acid" refers to the fatty acid found in peanuts.