sphingolipid

noun

sphin·​go·​lip·​id ˌsfiŋ-gō-ˈli-pəd 

plural sphingolipids

: any of a group of lipids (such as ceramide) found especially in plant and animal cell membranes that possess a chemical backbone of sphingosine or one of its derivatives, contribute to the structural integrity of cell membranes, and are involved in mediating various cellular processes (such as those affecting cell growth and differentiation, apoptosis, and intracellular signaling)

At least 300 different sphingolipids are synthesized in various mammalian cell types.

—Yusuf A. Hannun and Robert M. Bell

Elevated plasma levels of many of the sphingolipids have also been correlated with chronic disease …

—Oswald Quehenberger and Edward A. Dennis

see sphingolipidosis

Word History

Etymology

sphingo- (in sphingosine) + lipid

First Known Use

1954, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

sphingolipid

noun

sphin·​go·​lip·​id ˌsfiŋ-gō-ˈlip-əd 

: any of a group of lipids (as sphingomyelins and cerebrosides) that yield sphingosine or one of its derivatives as one product of hydrolysis