lipid

noun

lip·​id ˈli-pəd How to pronounce lipid (audio)
variants or less commonly lipide
: 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 adjective

Examples of lipid in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Researchers are still investigating the link between late-onset menopause and better heart health, though estrogen, lipid levels, and oxidative stress may all play a role. Elizabeth Yuko, Health, 19 Apr. 2025 Your options include: Topical (spot-on) products are applied to the animal’s back; the medication is spread through the lipid/fatty layer across the pet’s skin and coat. Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 31 Mar. 2025 These molecules can damage DNA, proteins and lipids in cells in a process called oxidative stress. Pranoti Mandrekar, The Conversation, 7 Apr. 2025 Plus, a blend of soybeans and lipids work together to add moisture and fight unwanted frizz. Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 4 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for lipid

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary

First Known Use

1912, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of lipid was in 1912

Cite this Entry

“Lipid.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lipid. Accessed 30 Apr. 2025.

Kids Definition

lipid

noun
lip·​id ˈlip-əd How to pronounce lipid (audio)
: 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 How to pronounce lipid (audio)
variants also lipide
: 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

More from Merriam-Webster on lipid

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