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.
Magnesium regulates several important bodily functions, including blood pressure, blood sugar, lipid levels, bone development, and energy.12 Dark green, leafy vegetables are a primary food source of magnesium. Emmanuella Ogbonna, Health, 14 May 2025 As a result, scientists believe lipid metabolism could play an essential role in ensuring a healthy immune system into old age. Noah Lyons, San Diego Union-Tribune, 22 Apr. 2025 Cannabis interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system, which plays a role in regulating glucose and lipid metabolism, inflammation, and pain. Tribune Content Agency, Mercury News, 22 Apr. 2025 The boy's digestive system cannot tolerate lipids, which are fatty compounds or oils that are found in foods. Peter Burke, FOXNews.com, 24 June 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 11 Jul. 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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