What is "triolein"

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.

n. (context organic compound English) The triglyceride of oleic acid

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

Triolein is a symmetrical triglyceride derived from glycerol and three units of the unsaturated fatty acid oleic acid. Most triglycerides are unsymmetrical, being derived from mixtures of fatty acids. Triolein represents 4-30% of olive oil.

Triolein is also known as glyceryl trioleate and is one of the two components of Lorenzo's oil.