lipid
2 synonyms for lipid, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — Any of a group of organic compounds, including fats, oils, waxes and sterols, that do not dissolve in water.
Synonyms
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
lipoid
lipide
How to use lipid
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
lipid levels
blood lipids
lipid membrane
dietary lipids
Lipid is a technical term used mainly in chemistry, biology and medicine rather than casual speech.
Etymology
Lipid was borrowed from the French word lipide, coined in 1923 by Gabriel Bertrand. It was built from the Ancient Greek word for animal fat combined with a French suffix.
Full origin of lipid →Frequently asked questions
What is a lipid in simple terms?
A lipid is a type of organic compound, such as a fat, oil or wax, that does not mix with water.
Who coined the word lipid?
The French scientist Gabriel Bertrand coined the term in 1923.
Are lipids the same as fats?
Fats are one kind of lipid, but the category also covers oils, waxes, sterols and triglycerides.
