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fatty acid

an organic acid with a long, usually unbranched hydrocarbon chain and an even number of carbon atoms. Fatty acids are the fundamental constituents of many important lipids, including triglycerides. Some fatty acids can be synthesized by the body, but others—the essential fatty acids, such as linoleic acid—must be obtained from the diet. See fat metabolism.

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Psychology term of the day

November 25th 2024

secular humanism

secular humanism

a broad perspective, increasingly influential in Western countries since the mid-20th century, that can be characterized by some or all of the following: (a) a belief in seeking solutions to human problems through science and rational thought rather than through religion or traditional forms of morality; (b) a focus on this world rather than on a putative afterlife; (c) an emphasis on an intrinsic human potential for growth rather than on human limitation or sinfulness; (d) a search for new truth and a belief in free thought, free speech, and free inquiry as the means to find it; (e) an acceptance of cultural and human diversity, including sexual diversity; and (f) an acceptance of some degree of relativism in ethics, usually accompanied by some type of utilitarianism in practice.