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

But there’s a catch: Such lipids were probably extremely rare on early Earth. —Bymitch Leslie, science.org, 30 Oct. 2024

Emollients are lipids that act like grout between skin cells to prevent that water from evaporating; Dr. Kim points to ceramides and fatty acids. —Emily Orofino, Allure, 24 Oct. 2024

Living Proof Triple Bond Complex is loaded with moisture-sealing lipids and strengthening peptides to reduce frizz and add softness, but its real superpower is reversing damage. —Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 23 Oct. 2024

Lipoproteins are composed of a combination of lipid (fat) and protein. —Heidi Moawad, Verywell Health, 21 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