triglyceride

tri·glyc·er·ide

noun \(ˌ)trī-ˈgli-sə-ˌrīd\

Definition of TRIGLYCERIDE

: any of a group of lipids that are esters formed from one molecule of glycerol and three molecules of one or more fatty acids, are widespread in adipose tissue, and commonly circulate in the blood in the form of lipoproteins

Origin of TRIGLYCERIDE

International Scientific Vocabulary

First Known Use: 1860

tri·glyc·er·ide

noun \(ˈ)trī-ˈglis-ə-ˌrīd\   (Medical Dictionary)

Medical Definition of TRIGLYCERIDE

: any of a group of lipids that are esters formed from one molecule of glycerol and three molecules of one or more fatty acids, are widespread in adipose tissue, and commonly circulate in the blood in the form of lipoproteins—called also neutral fat

triglyceride

noun    (Concise Encyclopedia)

Any of an important class of naturally occurring lipids, esters in which three molecules of fatty acids are linked to glycerol. The three fatty acids may be all the same kind or different kinds. The types of triglycerides in animals vary with the species and the fats in their food. In mammals they are stored in adipose tissue until needed and then broken down to the glycerol and fatty acids. Many vegetable triglycerides (oils) are liquid at room temperature, unlike those of animals, and tend to contain a greater variety of fatty acids. In alkali, triglycerides break down to form glycerol and three molecules of soap (saponification).