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

Pollen also contains lipids, which help with energy storage but also boost immunity. —Ashley Strickland, CNN Money, 19 June 2026

Animal studies suggest that these compounds have antidiabetic, antioxidant, lipid-lowering, and anti-inflammatory qualities that can improve fasting glucose and insulin sensitivity. —Anna Giorgi, Verywell Health, 17 June 2026

Periods of weight loss deliver real, measurable improvements in blood sugar, blood pressure and lipid levels. —Allison Palmer updated June 13, Miami Herald, 13 June 2026

Research comparing obese and non-obese horses has found that their serum lipid profile closely mirrors that of obese humans, with the same elevations in free fatty acids and the same patterns of fatty acid accumulation associated with inflammation. —Joshua Moen, STAT, 8 June 2026

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary

First Known Use

1925, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for lipid

• phospholipid

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