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

Scientists clashed over which type of molecule — RNA, lipids, proteins, and metabolites are prime suspects — could have started it all. — Yasemin Saplakoglu, Quanta Magazine, 12 Nov. 2026

Beyond pain relief and functional gains, participants experienced reductions in blood pressure, lower blood lipid levels and decreased systemic inflammation, according to the researchers. — Khloe Quill, FOXNews.com, 11 Nov. 2026

In such cases, carbonyl compounds generated by glycation attach to amino groups on lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids, causing the formation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs). — Encyclopedia Britannica, 9 Nov. 2026

Research indicates that including pecans in your diet can help lower low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, reduce triglyceride levels, and improve overall lipid profiles—factors that contribute to better heart health. — Lana Barhum, Verywell Health, 8 Nov. 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