1. Any of a group of signaling molecules derived from a 20-carbon fatty acid, including prostaglandins, leukotrienes, and thromboxanes, that regulate inflammation, immune response, and other physiological processes.
Usage: technical; biochemistry; medicine

Examples

• Eicosanoids play a crucial role in regulating inflammation throughout the body.
• Prostaglandins are a major class of eicosanoids involved in pain and fever responses.
• The immune system relies on eicosanoids to coordinate inflammatory reactions.
• Aspirin works by inhibiting the production of certain eicosanoids.
• Researchers study eicosanoids to develop new anti-inflammatory medications.