linoleic UK /ˌlɪn.ə(ʊ)ˈliː.ɪk/US /ˌlɪn.əˈliː.ɪk/ adjective2 •Of, or derived from linoleum, or linseed oil •designating an organic fatty acid, a thin yellow oil, found combined as an ester of glycerol in oils of linseed, poppy, hemp, and certain nuts; it is a polyunsaturated fatty acid with 18 carbon atoms and two double bonds.