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

Composed of elements like proteins, fatty lipids, and sugars, the yeast biomass remaining after alcohol and drug production is typically classified as a byproduct or waste. —Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 4 Nov. 2025

Eating fiber-rich foods supports good gut bacteria, healthy blood sugar, and lipid levels. —Merve Ceylan, Health, 3 Nov. 2025

IC7Fc sharply lowered blood lipid levels, far more than statins did. —New Atlas, 3 Nov. 2025

Surrounding that and protected by an outer shell is the cytoplasm, a frothy liquid of protein-synthesizing ribosomes, energy-producing mitochondria, energy-storing lipids, and the like. —Literary Hub, 28 Oct. 2025

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