lipid
[ lip-id, lahy-pid ]
/ ˈlɪp ɪd, ˈlaɪ pɪd /
noun Biochemistry.
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.
Also
lip·ide
[lip-ahyd, -id, lahy-pahyd, -pid] /ˈlɪp aɪd, -ɪd, ˈlaɪ paɪd, -pɪd/.
Words nearby lipid
British Dictionary definitions for lipids
lipid
lipide
/ (ˈlaɪpɪd, ˈlɪpɪd) /
noun
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
Word Origin for lipid
C20: from French
lipide, from Greek
lipos fat
Medical definitions for lipids
lipid
[ lĭp′ĭd, lī′pĭd ]
n.
Any of a group of organic compounds, including the fats, oils, waxes, sterols, and triglycerides, that are insoluble in water but soluble in common organic solvents, are oily to the touch, and together with carbohydrates and proteins constitute the principal structural material of living cells.
Other words from lipid
lip•id′ic adj.Scientific definitions for lipids
lipid
[ lĭp′ĭd ]
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.
Cultural definitions for lipids
lipids
[ (lip-idz, leye-pidz) ]
A group of organic molecules (see also organic molecule) that includes fats, oils, and waxes. Lipids do not dissolve in water. In animals, including humans, lipids store energy and form parts of cell structures, such as cell membranes.