lipid

noun

lip·​id ˈli-pəd How to pronounce lipid (audio)
variants or less commonly lipide
: 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, phosphatides, cerebrosides, and related and derived compounds
lipidic adjective

Examples of lipid in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The team employed a novel method using lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) to deliver messenger RNA (mRNA) directly to the testes. Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 13 Oct. 2025 But There May Be a Catch Unlike previous research on the topic, heart health indicators like blood pressure, blood lipid levels, and body fat percentage were not significantly affected by exercise snacks in the study. Tom Gavin, EverydayHealth.com, 10 Oct. 2025 The vaccine combines two immune-stimulating molecules (adjuvants) in a tiny lipid nanoparticle that enhances both innate and adaptive immune responses. New Atlas, 9 Oct. 2025 This includes health behaviors like diet, physical activity, smoking and sleep and factors such as BMI, lipids, blood glucose levels and blood pressure. Health Reporter, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for lipid

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary

First Known Use

1912, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of lipid was in 1912

Cite this Entry

“Lipid.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lipid. Accessed 15 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

lipid

noun
lip·​id ˈlip-əd How to pronounce lipid (audio)
: 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 How to pronounce lipid (audio)
variants also lipide
: 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

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