lipopolysaccaride: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very Low (Technical/Specialist)Highly Technical/Scientific. Used exclusively in academic, medical, laboratory, and clinical contexts.
Quick answer
What does “lipopolysaccaride” mean?
A large molecule found in the outer membrane of gram-negative bacteria, consisting of a lipid and a polysaccharide chain.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A large molecule found in the outer membrane of gram-negative bacteria, consisting of a lipid and a polysaccharide chain.
A complex bacterial endotoxin that triggers strong immune responses, often leading to fever and inflammation. A critical target in microbiology, immunology, and pharmacology.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning, spelling, or usage. The technical register overrides regional variation.
Connotations
None beyond its strict scientific definition.
Frequency
Equally rare and specialised in both varieties. Used only by relevant specialists.
Grammar
How to Use “lipopolysaccaride” in a Sentence
[Subject: Bacterium] contains/secrets lipopolysaccharide.Lipopolysaccharide induces/triggers [immune response].Scientists study/isolate/purify lipopolysaccharide.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “lipopolysaccaride” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The bacteria are engineered not to lipopolysaccharidise their outer membrane. (Highly contrived, not standard)
American English
- The process aims to lipopolysaccharidate the synthetic vesicle. (Highly contrived, not standard)
adjective
British English
- The lipopolysaccharide profile was characteristic of E. coli.
American English
- Researchers identified a new lipopolysaccharide variant.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Core term in microbiology, immunology, biochemistry. E.g., 'The study focused on the role of lipopolysaccharide in septic shock.'
Everyday
Never used in everyday conversation.
Technical
Used in laboratory protocols, medical diagnostics, pharmaceutical research. E.g., 'The assay detects lipopolysaccharide contamination.'
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “lipopolysaccaride”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “lipopolysaccaride”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “lipopolysaccaride”
- Misspelling: 'lipopolysaccaride', 'lipopolysacharide'. Correct: lipopolysaccharide.
- Misuse as a general term for any bacterial sugar or fat.
- Incorrect pronunciation with stress on 'lip' (LI-po...) instead of 'sacc' (...SAC-char-ide).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
In most contexts, yes. 'Endotoxin' is a functional term for substances that cause fever/sepsis, with lipopolysaccharide being the major endotoxin of gram-negative bacteria.
No. Lipopolysaccharide is a defining feature of the outer membrane of gram-negative bacteria. Gram-positive bacteria have a different cell wall structure.
It is a potent trigger of sepsis and septic shock. Understanding its structure and effects is crucial for developing treatments for severe bacterial infections and for ensuring sterility in medical products.
The O-antigen is the outermost, variable polysaccharide chain of the lipopolysaccharide molecule. It is a major target for immune recognition and is used to serotype bacterial strains.
A large molecule found in the outer membrane of gram-negative bacteria, consisting of a lipid and a polysaccharide chain.
Lipopolysaccaride is usually highly technical/scientific. used exclusively in academic, medical, laboratory, and clinical contexts. in register.
Lipopolysaccaride: in British English it is pronounced /ˌlɪpəʊpɒlɪˈsækəraɪd/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌlɪpoʊˌpɑːliˈsækəˌraɪd/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “No idioms exist for this highly technical term.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: LIPO (fat/lipid) + POLY (many) + SACCHARIDE (sugar). A 'fat-many-sugar' molecule on bacteria.
Conceptual Metaphor
A bacterial 'alarm signal' or 'identity tag' that alerts the host's immune system to danger.
Practice
Quiz
Lipopolysaccharide is a key component of: