lipid

noun

lip·​id ˈli-pəd How to pronounce lipid (audio)
variants or less commonly lipide
ˈli-ˌpīd How to pronounce lipid (audio)
: 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, phospholipids, cerebrosides, and related and derived compounds
lipidic
li-ˈpi-dik How to pronounce lipid (audio)
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.
Pollen also contains lipids, which help with energy storage but also boost immunity. — Ashley Strickland, CNN Money, 19 June 2026 For instance, sunflower oil—which contains linoleic acid, a lipid similar to our skin’s own sebum, delivers suppleness on contact. — Sophie Wirt, InStyle, 22 June 2026 Research comparing obese and non-obese horses has found that their serum lipid profile closely mirrors that of obese humans, with the same elevations in free fatty acids and the same patterns of fatty acid accumulation associated with inflammation. — Joshua Moen, STAT, 8 June 2026 Studies have found that avocado consumption is associated with improvements in cardiovascular risk factors, including lipid profiles. — Julie Scott, Verywell Health, 25 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for lipid

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary

First Known Use

1925, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of lipid was in 1925

Rhymes for lipid

See All Rhymes for lipid

Browse Nearby Words

Liphistiomorphae
lipid
lipidoplast
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Lipid.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lipid. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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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
-ˌīd How to pronounce lipid (audio)
: 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

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about lipid

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