lipophilic

adjective

li·​po·​phil·​ic ˌlī-pə-ˈfi-lik How to pronounce lipophilic (audio) ˌli- How to pronounce lipophilic (audio)
: having an affinity for lipids (such as fats)
a lipophilic metabolite

Examples of lipophilic in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Loaded into micelles, aggregates of molecules that are both water-loving (hydrophilic) and fat-loving (lipophilic), that are delivered intranasally means the treatment quickly arrives in the brain via the nose-to-brain anatomical pathway, bypassing the BBB completely. New Atlas, 23 July 2024 Researchers at the Mitchell Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Texas, tested a spray containing tiny lipophilic micelles (oil/fat particles that can carry substances through water) on aging mice, administering the treatment through their noses. Shannon McDonagh, Newsweek, 10 July 2024 Yadav said that vitamins could be administered transdermally, but only if they were formulated as nanoparticles and encased in a lipophilic (fat-soluble) substance. Rachel Murphy, Verywell Health, 11 June 2024 Hydrophilic molecules love water, while lipophilic molecules love fat. Caroline Delbert, Popular Mechanics, 6 May 2023 How Whiskey Aromas Evolve: Neat → Diluted Smoky → Pome fruit Vanilla + Oak → Corn + Grains Oak → Cedar Overall, the dilution of hydrophobic (water-hating) or lipophilic (fat-loving) molecules explains a lot of why the aromas changed so noticeably. Caroline Delbert, Popular Mechanics, 6 May 2023 The ingredient is a beta-hydroxy acid, and one that’s lipophilic. Melanie Rud, Peoplemag, 7 Apr. 2023 Instead, this gentle cleanser uses lipophilic esters and squalane to clean skin in the least irritating way. Grooming Playbook, The Salt Lake Tribune, 24 May 2022 Instead, the Squalane Cleanser uses a blend of hydrating lipophilic esters to remove surface dirt and excess oil more gently. The Salt Lake Tribune, 9 May 2022

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'lipophilic.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1939, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of lipophilic was in 1939

Dictionary Entries Near lipophilic

Cite this Entry

“Lipophilic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lipophilic. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.

Medical Definition

lipophilic

adjective
li·​po·​phil·​ic ˌlip-ə-ˈfil-ik How to pronounce lipophilic (audio) ˌlīp- How to pronounce lipophilic (audio)
: having an affinity for lipids (as fats)
a lipophilic metabolite
compare hydrophilic, lyophilic, oleophilic
lipophilicity noun
plural lipophilicities
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