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, phosphatides, cerebrosides, and related and derived compounds

lipidic

li-ˈpi-dik 

adjective

Examples of lipid in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

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

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