lipid

[ lip-id, lahy-pid ]

nounBiochemistry.
  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.

Origin of lipid

1
First recorded in 1920–25; lip- + -id3
  • Also lip·ide [lip-ahyd, -id, lahy-pahyd, -pid]. /ˈlɪp aɪd, -ɪd, ˈlaɪ paɪd, -pɪd/.

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British Dictionary definitions for lipid

lipid

lipide

/ (ˈlaɪpɪd, ˈlɪpɪd) /


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 name: lipoid

Origin of lipid

1
C20: from French lipide, from Greek lipos fat

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Scientific definitions for lipid

lipid

[ lĭpĭd ]


  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.

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