lipid

[ lip-id, lahy-pid ]

noun

, Biochemistry.

1. any of a group of organic compounds that are greasy to the touch, insoluble in water, and soluble in alcohol and ether: lipids comprise the fats and other esters with analogous properties and constitute, with proteins and carbohydrates, the chief structural components of living cells.

lipid

/ ˈlɪpɪd; ˈlaɪpɪd /

noun

1. biochem any of a large group of organic compounds that are esters of fatty acids ( simple lipids , such as fats and waxes) or closely related substances ( compound lipids , such as phospholipids): usually insoluble in water but soluble in alcohol and other organic solvents. They are important structural materials in living organisms Former namelipoid

lipid

/ lĭp′ĭd /

1. Any of a large group of organic compounds that are oily to the touch and insoluble in water. Lipids include fatty acids, oils, waxes, sterols, and triglycerides. They are a source of stored energy and are a component of cell membranes.

Word History and Origins

Origin of lipid¹

First recorded in 1920–25; lip- + -id ³

Word History and Origins

Origin of lipid¹

C20: from French lipide, from Greek lipos fat

Example Sentences

When dietary fats enter the body through the foods we eat, they must be sorted and processed into compounds called lipids, such as triglycerides, phospholipids, cholesterol, or sphingolipids.

From Science Daily

"The amount of energy diverted to the biodiesel precursor, lipid, is even lower as lipid has high energy intensity," he said.

From Science Daily

High-glycemic, simple carbohydrate foods like sweet cereal result in higher blood lipid levels, increased hunger and greater amounts of release of insulin.

From Salon

These are tiny bubbles of lipids that are secreted by cells of the body and that can ultimately enter the bloodstream.

From Science Daily

A genetic disorder leads to an increase in bioactive lipids in the brain, resulting in an imbalance between excitation and inhibition in neural circuits and promoting mental disorders.

From Science Daily