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

Your Cholesterol Levels May Improve Dark chocolate could be good for your lipid profile. —Ann Pietrangelo, Verywell Health, 10 Mar. 2026

With this process, the liver was better able to clear out dangerous lipids, including triglycerides and ceramides, which are known to trigger inflammation, the study showed. —Khloe Quill, FOXNews.com, 9 Mar. 2026

The polymer mimics lipids in skin cell membranes and can capture moisture when humidity is high and deliver it back to the skin when the air is drier. —Justin Fenner, Robb Report, 6 Mar. 2026

The formula is petroleum-free and powered by ultra-refined lanolin (an ingredient that mimic the skin’s own lipids) that helps replenish the barrier, soften rough patches, and restore suppleness. —Kiana Murden, Vogue, 2 Mar. 2026

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary

First Known Use

1925, 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