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 SpudCell largely resembles a living cell, with a lipid membrane and a small genome, despite being stitched together from a list of nonliving ingredients. — Lori Youmshajekian, Scientific American, 14 July 2026

Jordan says this test is a better predictive marker for heart disease than a lipid panel alone. — Helen Carefoot, Flow Space, 14 July 2026

How Fiber Impacts Sleep Fiber plays many important roles in health, such as regulating blood lipid levels, promoting regular bowel movements, and fueling the growth of beneficial bacteria in your gut. — Jillian Kubala, Health, 7 July 2026

And for redness relief, the Ordinary Rice Lipids + Ectoin Microemulsion pairs lightweight rice lipids with ectoin, which work together to bolster the skin barrier in a single use. — Deanna Pai, Vogue, 6 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