phospholipid

noun

phos·​pho·​lip·​id ˌfäs-fō-ˈli-pəd 

: any of various phosphorus-containing complex lipids (such as lecithins and phosphatidylethanolamines) that are derived from glycerol and are major constituents of the membranes of cells and intracellular organelles and vesicles

Note: Phospholipids typically consist of a hydrophilic polar phosphate head and a hydrophobic tail of two fatty acids. In aqueous environments, phospholipids typically form semipermeable bilayers in which the hydrophilic heads point outward and the hydrophobic tails point inward toward each other.

Examples of phospholipid in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

On a whim, the researchers next used genetic engineering to increase PPE levels in Escherichia coli bacteria, replacing about a quarter of the bacteria’s phospholipids with PPE. —Elizabeth Anne Brown, Scientific American, 27 June 2024

Liposomal vitamin C supplements contain a type of vitamin C that is delivered through innovative microscopic capsules wrapped in a double layer of phospholipids—similar to the membrane that surrounds the cells of our body (aka a liposome). —Veronica Cristino, Vogue, 12 June 2024

Choline supplements come in various forms, including phosphatidylcholine, which is choline attached to a phospholipid (a lipid (fat) that contains phosphorus) from soy lecithin or egg yolk. —Sarah Anzlovar, Ms, Rd, Verywell Health, 4 June 2024

The fatty acid composition, phospholipid composition, and protein composition of the samples were generally similar. —Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 28 Mar. 2024

This chemical compound is a type of phospholipid, which acts as a kind of barrier to protect cells and enable certain cell functions. —Stephen C. George, Discover Magazine, 17 Oct. 2023

Hu’s goal in this latest research is to verify his theory: that the chaotic immune response is, in fact, directly linked to this battle against the phospholipids. —Kay Lazar, BostonGlobe.com, 29 Aug. 2023

Foods that include phospholipids, such as lecithin; milk and almonds are both a good source. —Ana Morales, Vogue, 8 Aug. 2023

Green is a healthy fat, or phospholipid, and an essential compound within the human brain. —Dallas News, 23 Aug. 2022

Word History

First Known Use

1925, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

phospholipid

noun

phos·​pho·​lip·​id ˌfäs-fō-ˈlip-əd 

: a phosphorus-containing fatty substance that forms the main structural part of a cell membrane

Medical Definition

phospholipid

noun

phos·​pho·​lip·​id -ˈlip-əd 

variants also phospholipide

-ˌīd 

: any of various phosphorus-containing complex lipids (such as lecithins and phosphatidylethanolamines) that are derived from glycerol and are major constituents of the membranes of cells and intracellular organelles and vesicles

Note: Phospholipids typically consist of a hydrophilic polar phosphate head and a hydrophobic tail of two fatty acids. In aqueous environments, phospholipids typically form semipermeable bilayers in which the hydrophilic heads point outward and the hydrophobic tails point inward toward each other.

called also phosphatide, phospholipin