noun

triglyceride

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Triglyceride (noun) means a type of fat made from glycerol combined with three fatty acids, forming the main fat in animals and plants. Example: “The blood test measured her triglyceride levels.”

noun

A type of fat made from glycerol combined with three fatty acids, forming the main fat in animals and plants.

"The blood test measured her triglyceride levels."

"Triglycerides are stored in fat cells and used by the body for energy."

"A diet high in sugar can raise triglycerides in the blood."

How to use triglyceride

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA type of fat made of glycerol and three fatty acids, the main fat in food and the body.

When to use it

Triglyceride is a technical, scientific term used in chemistry and medicine rather than everyday speech.

Memory tip

Think of the tri- as a count of the three fatty acids attached to the glycerol backbone.

Trace the full origin ↓

Easily confused with

diglyceride monoglyceride

Common pairings

triglyceride levels high triglycerides lower your triglycerides blood triglycerides

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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 “triglyceride” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The blood test measured her _____ levels.

Etymology

Triglyceride is built from the prefix tri-, meaning three, joined to glyceride, reflecting its structure of glycerol bonded to three fatty acids.

Origin: English

Rhymes for triglyceride

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See all rhymes for triglyceride →

Frequently asked questions

What is a triglyceride?

It is a lipid formed from glycerol joined to three fatty acids, and it is the main type of fat found in animals and plants.

Why does triglyceride have tri in its name?

The tri- prefix refers to the three fatty acids attached to the glycerol molecule.

Are triglycerides the same as fat?

Triglycerides are the major constituent of animal and vegetable fats, so they make up most of what we commonly call fat.

What is the meaning of triglyceride?

"triglyceride" (noun) means a type of fat made from glycerol combined with three fatty acids, forming the main fat in animals and plants.