phospholipid

noun

: any of various phosphorus-containing complex lipids (such as lecithins and phosphatidylethanolamines) that are derived from glycerol and are major constituents of the membranes of cells and intracellular organelles and vesicles

Note: Phospholipids typically consist of a hydrophilic polar phosphate head and a hydrophobic tail of two fatty acids. In aqueous environments, phospholipids typically form semipermeable bilayers in which the hydrophilic heads point outward and the hydrophobic tails point inward toward each other.

Examples of phospholipid in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Seeking to capitalize on boosting CBD's efficacy through the use of fat, scientists at the University of South Australia created a mixture of nanoparticles where CBD was bound to a phospholipid complex (PLC), or phosphorus-containing fat particles. Michael Franco, New Atlas, 20 Mar. 2025 For instance, phospholipids in modern cell membranes align themselves in a double layer. Bymitch Leslie, science.org, 30 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1925, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of phospholipid was in 1925

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Phospholipid.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/phospholipid. Accessed 3 Apr. 2025.

Kids Definition

phospholipid

noun
: a phosphorus-containing fatty substance that forms the main structural part of a cell membrane

Medical Definition

phospholipid

noun
: any of various phosphorus-containing complex lipids (such as lecithins and phosphatidylethanolamines) that are derived from glycerol and are major constituents of the membranes of cells and intracellular organelles and vesicles

Note: Phospholipids typically consist of a hydrophilic polar phosphate head and a hydrophobic tail of two fatty acids. In aqueous environments, phospholipids typically form semipermeable bilayers in which the hydrophilic heads point outward and the hydrophobic tails point inward toward each other.

called also phosphatide, phospholipin

More from Merriam-Webster on phospholipid

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!