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

All of this is done inside a lipid membrane, which holds all the necessary materials in one place. — Yasemin Saplakoglu, Quanta Magazine, 1 July 2026

Pollen also contains lipids, which help with energy storage but also boost immunity. — Ashley Strickland, CNN Money, 19 June 2026

Sertraline, being lipid-soluble, accumulates in the marine food chain, eventually reaching apex predators like sharks. — Melissa Cristina Márquez, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026

The sebum-mimicking lipid offers anti-inflammatory and moisturizing benefits, too, for a younger-looking, bouncier complexion. — Sophie Wirt, InStyle, 1 July 2026

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary

First Known Use

1925, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for lipid

• phospholipid

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