Definition

A type of substance that comes from a fatty acid and plays a role in various cellular functions in the body.

Example

Eicosanoids are important for regulating inflammation and immune responses.

Conversation

I read that eicosanoids play a key role in inflammation.

Really? I had no idea they were so important for our health.

Yeah, they’re derived from fatty acids and affect various cellular activities.

That’s fascinating! I should learn more about how they work.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Eicosanoid → It is formed from "eicosa-" (from Greek "eikosi", meaning twenty) and "-noid" (from Greek "eidos", meaning form or shape). The term refers to compounds derived from twenty-carbon fatty acids, thus relating to their structure.

Memory Tip

Think of 'twenty' ('eicosa-') to remember that 'eicosanoid' refers to compounds that are shaped or formed from twenty-carbon fatty acids.

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