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

Lipid panel: This test measures the amount of lipids (fats) in your blood, such as cholesterol and triglycerides. —Sarah Jividen, Health, 12 Dec. 2024

The tumors contained a high number of lipids, microscopic fatty compounds produced when enzymes break down food, that will likely inflame rather than heal a tumor. —Christopher O'Donnell, Orlando Sentinel, 10 Dec. 2024

The team applied advanced microscopy and biomolecular analysis techniques that combine protein and lipid analysis to study organic material left behind in the materials. —Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 5 Dec. 2024

During the resolution phase, lipid mediators, including lipoxins, contribute to restoring bodily balance by limiting inflammation. —New Atlas, 29 Nov. 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