lipid: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Technical / Academic / Medical
Quick answer
What does “lipid” mean?
A type of organic compound that is insoluble in water but soluble in organic solvents.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A type of organic compound that is insoluble in water but soluble in organic solvents; includes fats, oils, waxes, and certain vitamins.
Any of various substances that are structurally and functionally diverse but share the property of being hydrophobic or amphiphilic, serving as energy storage, cell membrane components, and signalling molecules in biological systems.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage between UK and US English.
Connotations
Neutral scientific term in both varieties.
Frequency
Equally low-frequency in general discourse but standard in scientific contexts in both regions.
Grammar
How to Use “lipid” in a Sentence
[ADJ] lipidlipid [PREP] [NOUN] (e.g., lipid in the membrane)to analyse/measure/study lipidsVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “lipid” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The lipic acid derivative was synthesised.
- A lipic membrane layer was observed.
American English
- The lipidic nanoparticles showed promise.
- Lipidic metabolism was studied.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in pharmaceuticals, nutrition, or cosmetics industries (e.g., 'lipid-based drug delivery').
Academic
Common in biochemistry, biology, medicine, and nutrition papers (e.g., 'The lipid composition was analysed.').
Everyday
Very rare; replaced by 'fat' or 'oil' (e.g., 'Try to reduce fats' not 'lipids').
Technical
Standard precise term in lab reports, medical diagnostics, and research (e.g., 'abnormal lipid panel').
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “lipid”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “lipid”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “lipid”
- Pronouncing it /ˈlaɪ.pɪd/ (like 'lip' + 'id' as in 'identification').
- Using it as an adjective (e.g., 'lipid cell' instead of 'lipid-rich cell' or 'lipidic').
- Confusing 'lipid' with 'lipase' (an enzyme that breaks down lipids).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
In scientific terms, 'fat' is a type of lipid (a triglyceride). 'Lipid' is the broader category that also includes oils, waxes, phospholipids, and steroids.
It would sound very technical. In everyday contexts, use words like 'fats', 'oils', or 'fatty substances' instead.
A blood test that measures the amounts of different lipids (like cholesterol and triglycerides) to assess cardiovascular health.
They are essential for health (energy, cell structure, hormones). The issue is the type (e.g., unsaturated vs. saturated) and quantity in the diet.
A type of organic compound that is insoluble in water but soluble in organic solvents.
Lipid is usually technical / academic / medical in register.
Lipid: in British English it is pronounced /ˈlɪp.ɪd/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈlɪp.ɪd/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of LIPID as 'LIP' + 'ID'. Your LIPS are oily/fatty, and this word IDs (identifies) fat-related molecules.
Conceptual Metaphor
LIPIDS ARE BUILDING BLOCKS / LIPIDS ARE STORAGE UNITS (for energy).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'lipid' most appropriately used?