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, phospholipids, cerebrosides, and related and derived compounds

lipidic

li-ˈpi-dik 

adjective

Examples of lipid in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The formula combines colloidal oatmeal to relieve itching with beta-glucan to soothe, plus proprietary tech that mirrors the skin’s natural lipid structure to support repair. —Deanna Pai, Allure, 20 Jan. 2026

See, triglycerides serve as an accessible proxy for the energy available to sharks by reflecting lipid reserves in the liver. —Melissa Cristina Márquez, Forbes.com, 19 Jan. 2026

This nutrient is essential for reducing inflammation, supporting the skin's lipid barrier, and increasing collagen production. —Olivia McIntosh, Martha Stewart, 18 Jan. 2026

Using deeply hydrating products, such as Eighth Day Skin’s Regenerative Serum, and occlusive moisturizers with ceramides and lipids that enhance the skin’s barrier function before clipping into your bindings is also key. —Justin Fenner, Robb Report, 17 Jan. 2026

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