lipid

noun

lip·​id ˈli-pəd 

variants or less commonly lipide

ˈli-ˌpīd 

: any of various substances that are soluble in nonpolar organic solvents (such as chloroform and ether), that are usually insoluble in water, that with proteins and carbohydrates constitute the principal structural components of living cells, and that include fats, waxes, phosphatides, cerebrosides, and related and derived compounds

lipidic

li-ˈpi-dik 

adjective

Examples of lipid in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The team also confirmed that the links were indeed made of membrane lipids and not protein, which would instead suggest pili. —Veronique Greenwood, Quanta Magazine, 6 Jan. 2025

After four weeks, NAFLD mice given a daily dose of the seed coat extract saw a marked reduction in body weight, fat in the liver and blood lipids. —New Atlas, 28 Nov. 2024

Participants who used beetroot juice had significant decreases in liver enzymes and lipid profiles. —Brittany Lubeck, Ms, Rdn, Verywell Health, 31 Oct. 2024

Applying oil beforehand creates a protective layer that reduces this loss, helping to preserve the skin’s natural lipid barrier. —Sandra Rose Salathe, Flow Space, 30 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary

First Known Use

1912, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

lipid

noun

lip·​id ˈlip-əd 

: any of various substances (as fats and waxes) that with proteins and carbohydrates make up the principal structural parts of living cells

Medical Definition

lipid

noun

lip·​id ˈlip-əd 

variants also lipide

-ˌīd 

: any of various substances that are soluble in nonpolar organic solvents (as chloroform and ether), that with proteins and carbohydrates constitute the principal structural components of living cells, and that include fats, waxes, phospholipids, cerebrosides, and related and derived compounds