squalene
noun/ˈskweɪliːn/ · /ˈskwɑːliːn/
Etymology From Latin squālus (“shark”) + -ene, because it is found in shark liver.
1
Chemistry, Natural sciences, Organic chemistry, Physical sciences A linear triterpene hydrocarbon found in shark liver oil and in human sebum; it plays a role in the biosynthesis of steroids.
- Derived terms
- azasqualene, dehydrosqualene, epoxysqualene, hydroxysqualene, pentacyclosqualene, perhydrosqualene, presqualene
- Related terms
- squalane