What term describes fatty acids bound with an alcohol?

The term that describes fatty acids bound with an alcohol is glycerides. Glycerides are formed when fatty acids combine with glycerol, which is a type of alcohol. This structure is pivotal in biochemistry and nutrition, as it forms the backbone of triglycerides, which are the main form of stored fat in the body.

Glycerides can vary based on the number of fatty acids attached; for example, monoglycerides have one fatty acid, diglycerides have two, and triglycerides have three. Thus, the relationship with glycerol as an alcohol is critical to understanding the nature of these compounds.

In this question, while triglycerides, lecithins, and phospholipids relate to fatty acids, they incorporate additional structural features or components that differentiate them from the basic definition of glycerides. Triglycerides specifically emphasize the storage form of fats, while lecithins and phospholipids contain phosphate groups and are involved in cellular structures and functions. Therefore, the term "glycerides" most accurately captures the concept of fatty acids bound to an alcohol without additional structural considerations.