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phospholipid
noun
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
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'phospholipid.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
1925, in the meaning defined above
Dictionary Entries Near phospholipid
Cite this Entry
“Phospholipid.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/phospholipid. Accessed 12 Jun. 2024.
Kids Definition
phospholipid
nounMedical Definition
phospholipid
nounNote: 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
More from Merriam-Webster on phospholipid
Nglish: Translation of phospholipid for Spanish Speakers
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about phospholipid
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