Olestras

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. A type of fat substitute that is synthesized to provide a similar mouthfeel without contributing calories
2. A non-digestible fat compound used in processed foods to reduce overall fat content and caloric intake
3. A synthetic lipid designed to replace dietary fat while maintaining flavor and texture in various low-fat products

Etymology: Olestra is a fat substitute that passes through the digestive system without being absorbed, so it adds no calories. The word is a blend built from "polyester" and a shortened piece of "ester", the chemical family the molecule belongs to, with "-a" tacked on the end. Its name was coined in the 1980s, when the compound was being developed as a food additive. The plural "olestras" is simply the form used when referring to several of these molecules or several kinds of the substance. It is formed in the ordinary English way, by adding "-s" to the singular "olestra".