omega; Ω, ω +
(Greek: the 24th and last letter of the Greek alphabet; Ω, ω; the ending, the last of anything)
2. The basic meaning of something; the crucial part; the most important aspect of something.
The beginning and the end, the first and the last, as in "She had to master the alpha and omega of the new computer program before she could even begin."
This idiom and its meaning, based on the first and last letters of the Greek alphabet, appears in the New Testament (Revelation 1:8): "I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord," where it is repeated three more times.
2. The vowel sound represented by this letter.
3. The last of any series; the end.
4. Of or characterizing a chemical group or position at the end of a molecular chain; such as, omega-oxidation.
It occurs as frowning and as a persisting facial expression in depression. Also called Schüle sign (named for Heinrich Schüle, German psychiatrist, 1840-1916).
Omega-3 fatty acids are capable of reducing serum cholesterol levels and have anticoagulant properties.
Omega-3 fish oil is considered a neutraceutical, a food that provides health benefits. Eating fish has been reported to protect against age-related macular degeneration, a common eye disease.
Major sources are vegetable and seed oils.