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, phosphatides, cerebrosides, and related and derived compounds

lipidic

li-ˈpi-dik 

adjective

Examples of lipid in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The first wave saw changes to cardiovascular health and an impact on metabolizing caffeine, alcohol, and lipids. —Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 10 Aug. 2025

Fatty fish are excellent sources of omega-3 fatty acids, which help lower inflammation and reduce blood lipid and blood pressure levels. —Jillian Kubala, Health, 4 Aug. 2025

The researchers used the eight components of the American Heart Association’s health-assessment tool—nutrition, physical activity, smoking abstinence, sleep, body mass index, blood lipids, blood sugar and blood pressure—to determine midlife women’s cardiovascular risk. —Elizabeth Yuko, Flow Space, 29 July 2025

Some research suggests magnesium supplementation may modestly improve lipid levels.123 Beyond cholesterol, magnesium appears to support broader metabolic health. —Patricia Weiser, Verywell Health, 14 July 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