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

Chlorella has improved lipid levels in several studies. —Jennifer Lefton, Verywell Health, 24 Nov. 2025

Ceramides are lipids naturally found in the skin barrier that help retain moisture, so combining these two ingredients is a must to keep skin comfortable and nourished, especially during the drier, colder months. —Emily Orofino, Vogue, 19 Nov. 2025

Still, key inputs (nucleotides, enzymes, ionizable lipids) remain imported, leaving supply chains as a central challenge. —Srishti Gupta, Interesting Engineering, 19 Nov. 2025

Of the typical five ingredients in LNPs, ionizable lipids are particularly important for vaccine strength, and so the researchers created a catalogue of new ionizable lipids containing cyclic structures, which aid delivery of mRNA, and esters which may enhance biodegradability. —New Atlas, 14 Nov. 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