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

Humans need fat for basic cellular and biological functions in the body—fats, or lipids, are essential for creating cellular membranes, absorbing hormones and vitamins and regulating body temperature. —Lauren J. Young, Scientific American, 7 Jan. 2026

Tomasino has recently been developing a different approach—a proprietary lipid spray, which doesn’t need to be washed off—but won’t be able to test it until the summer. —Nicola Twilley, New Yorker, 5 Jan. 2026

The sebum-mimicking lipid offers anti-inflammatory and moisturizing benefits, too, for a younger-looking, bouncier complexion. —Sophie Wirt, InStyle, 5 Jan. 2026

This might be because of the juice's effects on CVD risk factors, such as high lipid levels. —Colleen Murphy, Health, 5 Jan. 2026

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