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

Haruharu Wonder Black Rice Probiotics Barrier Essence Black rice probiotics and barrier-loving ceramides and lipids make up this essence, which prevents irritation, locks in moisture, and boosts skin’s elasticity. —Lily Wohlner, Allure, 25 Mar. 2026

Hormonal changes—especially during menopause—can also shift your lipid profile. —Alexandria Nyembwe, Health, 16 Mar. 2026

Otherwise, those lipids are sealed. —Mark Leibovich, The Atlantic, 16 Mar. 2026

This new shift is happening as a mounting body of research shows that reducing lifelong exposure to plaque-causing lipids and lipoproteins is associated with better long-term cardiovascular outcomes, Morris and Blumenthal said. —Jacqueline Howard, CNN Money, 13 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