lip·id (l p d, l p d) also lip·ide (l p d , l p d )n. Any of a group of organic compounds, including the fats, oils, waxes, sterols, and triglycerides, that are insoluble in water but soluble in nonpolar organic solvents, are oily to the touch, and together with carbohydrates and proteins constitute the principal structural material of living cells.
[French lipide : Greek lipos, fat; see lipo- + French -ide, -ide.]
lip·id ic adj. |
lipid Noun
Biochem any of a group of organic compounds including fats, oils, waxes, and sterols [Greek lipos fat]
ThesaurusLegend: Synonyms Related Words Antonyms
| Noun | 1. | lipid - an oily organic compound insoluble in water but soluble in organic solvents; essential structural component of living cells (along with proteins and carbohydrates)fat - a soft greasy substance occurring in organic tissue and consisting of a mixture of lipids (mostly triglycerides); "pizza has too much fat" triglyceride - glyceride occurring naturally in animal and vegetable tissues; it consists of three individual fatty acids bound together in a single large molecule; an important energy source forming much of the fat stored by the body oil - a slippery or viscous liquid or liquefiable substance not miscible with water phospholipid - any of various compounds composed of fatty acids and phosphoric acid and a nitrogenous base; an important constituent of membranes wax - any of various substances of either mineral origin or plant or animal origin; they are solid at normal temperatures and insoluble in water |