\O"le*in\, n. [L. oleum oil: cf. F. ol['e]ine.] (Physiol.
Chem.)
A fat, liquid at ordinary temperatures, but solidifying at
temperatures below 0[deg] C., found abundantly in both the
animal and vegetable kingdoms (see {Palmitin}). It dissolves
solid fats, especially at 30-40[deg] C. Chemically, olein is
a glyceride of oleic acid; and, as three molecules of the
acid are united to one molecule of glyceryl to form the fat,
it is technically known as {triolein}. It is also called
{elain}.