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

May Lower Cholesterol and Blood Sugar Quinoa's high fiber content may reduce blood lipid levels, including cholesterol and triglyceride levels. —Jillian Kubala, Health, 8 Dec. 2025

Major health organizations — including the ACC, AHA, Endocrine Society and USPSTF — regard advanced lipid profiles as optional decision-support tools rather than standard screening tests. —Melissa Rudy, FOXNews.com, 8 Dec. 2025

This microneedling kit also comes with an eye balm packed with barrier-supporting lipids like squalane and jojoba oil, which your skin will drink up post-treatment. —Emily Orofino, Vogue, 30 Nov. 2025

It’s infused with ceramide-rich floral oils, skin-mimicking lipids, and vitamin C to leave skin soft, radiant, and wrapped in comforting notes of skin musk, sheer jasmine, and orange blossom. —Lily Wohlner, Allure, 29 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