What is "olein"

Olein \O"le*in\ ([=o]"l[-e]*[i^]n), n. [L. oleum oil: cf. F. ol['e]ine.] (Physiol. Chem.) A fat, liquid at ordinary temperatures, but solidifying at temperatures below 0[deg] C., found abundantly in both the animal and vegetable kingdoms (see Palmitin). It dissolves solid fats, especially at 30-40[deg] C. Chemically, olein is a glyceride of oleic acid; and, as three molecules of the acid are united to one molecule of glycerol to form the fat, it is technically known as triolein. It is also called elain.

alt. 1 Any naturally-occurring greasy or oily substance related to fat 2 (context chemistry English) Any glyceride of oleic acid n. 1 Any naturally-occurring greasy or oily substance related to fat 2 (context chemistry English) Any glyceride of oleic acid

n. a naturally occuring glyceride of oleic acid that is found in fats and oils [syn: triolein]