monounsaturated

adjective

mono·​un·​sat·​u·​rat·​ed ˌmä-nō-ˌən-ˈsa-chə-ˌrā-təd 

: having one double or triple bond between carbon atoms in a hydrocarbon chain

—used especially of an oil, fat, or fatty acid

Cholesterol is a monounsaturated molecule located in the cell membrane and it is involved in membrane permeability and fluidity.

—Vladimiro Cardenia et al.

see also monounsaturated fat compare polyunsaturated

monounsaturate

ˌmä-nō-ˌən-ˈsa-chə-rət 

noun

plural monounsaturates

Nutritionists like monounsaturates because they lower harmful LDL but maintain HDL levels.

—Marilyn Chase

Examples of monounsaturated in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Avocados are a good source of protein and healthy monounsaturated fats. —Sarah Bradley, Health, 27 Apr. 2026

Avocados Avocados are a good source of fiber, healthy monounsaturated fats, and potassium, but these creamy green fruits are not considered a high-protein food, Saperstein said. —Stephanie Brown, Verywell Health, 23 Apr. 2026

Avocados are rich in monounsaturated fats, fiber and potassium, which support cholesterol levels and satiety — while mangos provide vitamin C, antioxidants and additional fiber, experts say. —Deirdre Bardolf, FOXNews.com, 10 Apr. 2026

The study researchers explain that avocados are rich in monounsaturated fats, which are essential for maintaining healthy cholesterol levels and supporting cell structure. —Lauren Manaker, SELF, 2 Apr. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1939, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing monounsaturated

• monounsaturated fat

Rhymes for monounsaturated

• ameliorated
• decontaminated
• deoxygenated
• deteriorated
• differentiated
• disarticulated
• excommunicated
• incapacitated
• individuated
• misappropriated
• multinucleated
• nonaffiliated

Kids Definition

monounsaturated

adjective

mono·​un·​sat·​u·​rat·​ed ˌmän-ō-ˌən-ˈsach-ə-ˌrāt-ed 

: containing one double or triple bond per molecule

—used especially of an oil, fat, or fatty acid

Medical Definition

monounsaturated

adjective

mono·​un·​sat·​u·​rat·​ed ˌmän-ō-ˌən-ˈsach-ə-ˌrāt-əd 

: having one double or triple bond between carbon atoms in a hydrocarbon chain

—used especially of an oil, fat, or fatty acid

Canola and olive oils are rich in monounsaturated fatty acids.

see also monounsaturated fat compare polyunsaturated

monounsaturate

ˌmän-ō-ˌən-ˈsach-ə-rət 

noun

… the monounsaturates reduce low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels, but do not lower high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol levels.

—Scott M. Grundy, The Journal of Nutrition