phospholipid

noun

phos·​pho·​lip·​id ˌfäs-fō-ˈli-pəd 

: any of various phosphorus-containing complex lipids (such as lecithins and phosphatidylethanolamines) that are derived from glycerol and are major constituents of the membranes of cells and intracellular organelles and vesicles

Note: Phospholipids typically consist of a hydrophilic polar phosphate head and a hydrophobic tail of two fatty acids. In aqueous environments, phospholipids typically form semipermeable bilayers in which the hydrophilic heads point outward and the hydrophobic tails point inward toward each other.

Examples of phospholipid in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Today, the main components of most cell membranes are complex, hefty molecules called phospholipids. —Bymitch Leslie, science.org, 30 Oct. 2024

The amino acid reacted with the molecules, forming lipids with two tails—the phospholipids in modern membranes also sport similar double tails. —Bymitch Leslie, science.org, 30 Oct. 2024

However, Thorne's supplement contains a phospholipid (type of fat molecule) derived from sunflower, which helps absorption. —Jamie Wolff, Health, 14 Oct. 2024

On a whim, the researchers next used genetic engineering to increase PPE levels in Escherichia coli bacteria, replacing about a quarter of the bacteria’s phospholipids with PPE. —Elizabeth Anne Brown, Scientific American, 27 June 2024

Liposomal vitamin C supplements contain a type of vitamin C that is delivered through innovative microscopic capsules wrapped in a double layer of phospholipids—similar to the membrane that surrounds the cells of our body (aka a liposome). —Veronica Cristino, Vogue, 12 June 2024

Choline supplements come in various forms, including phosphatidylcholine, which is choline attached to a phospholipid (a lipid (fat) that contains phosphorus) from soy lecithin or egg yolk. —Sarah Anzlovar, Ms, Rd, Verywell Health, 4 June 2024

The fatty acid composition, phospholipid composition, and protein composition of the samples were generally similar. —Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 28 Mar. 2024

This chemical compound is a type of phospholipid, which acts as a kind of barrier to protect cells and enable certain cell functions. —Stephen C. George, Discover Magazine, 17 Oct. 2023

Word History

First Known Use

1925, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

phospholipid

noun

phos·​pho·​lip·​id ˌfäs-fō-ˈlip-əd 

: a phosphorus-containing fatty substance that forms the main structural part of a cell membrane

Medical Definition

phospholipid

noun

phos·​pho·​lip·​id -ˈlip-əd 

variants also phospholipide

-ˌīd 

: any of various phosphorus-containing complex lipids (such as lecithins and phosphatidylethanolamines) that are derived from glycerol and are major constituents of the membranes of cells and intracellular organelles and vesicles

Note: Phospholipids typically consist of a hydrophilic polar phosphate head and a hydrophobic tail of two fatty acids. In aqueous environments, phospholipids typically form semipermeable bilayers in which the hydrophilic heads point outward and the hydrophobic tails point inward toward each other.

called also phosphatide, phospholipin