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.
These structures can be assembled using lipids or polymer materials and could provide a framework for integrating the selective channels. — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 28 Oct. 2026 Diets high in fiber have been linked to better glycemic control, body weight, blood lipid levels, and inflammation markers in people with type 2 diabetes. — Jillian Kubala, HEALTH, 23 Oct. 2026 The mRNA coding for these proteins, or antigens, are encased in a lipid particle in a similar way to Moderna’s COVID vaccine, which used mRNA from the COVID virus’ spike protein. — Alice Park, Time, 22 Oct. 2026 The shampoo nourishes the scalp with panthenol and niacinamide, while the conditioner fortifies strands with lipids for thicker-looking hair that resists breakage. — Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Kansas City Star, 21 Oct. 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 30 Oct. 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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