noun Uncommon

lipid

LIP-id

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Lipid (noun) means any of a group of organic compounds, including fats, oils, waxes and sterols, that do not dissolve in water. Example: “Lipids store energy and form the walls of every cell.”

noun

organic chemistry Any of a group of organic compounds, including fats, oils, waxes and sterols, that do not dissolve in water.

"Lipids store energy and form the walls of every cell."

"The diet was low in lipids but high in protein."

"Cholesterol is a type of lipid found in the blood."

How to use lipid

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA lipid is a fat-like substance that will not dissolve in water.

When to use it

Lipid is a technical term used mainly in chemistry, biology and medicine rather than casual speech.

Memory tip

Do not confuse lipid with liquid; they look similar in writing but mean very different things.

Trace the full origin ↓

Easily confused with

lipoid liquid (spelling)

Common pairings

lipid levels blood lipids lipid membrane dietary lipids

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Test yourself on “lipid” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

_____ store energy and form the walls of every cell.

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.

Origin: French

Synonyms

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lipoid lipide

Rhymes for lipid

insipid

See all rhymes for 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.

What is the meaning of lipid?

"lipid" (noun) means any of a group of organic compounds, including fats, oils, waxes and sterols, that do not dissolve in water.