What Does Lipid Mean?

The word lipid has Greek origin and is taken from the word 'lipos'. Lipos means fat. Later, lipos was adapted as lipide by the French. Lipid is group of organic compounds. It consists of fats, oils, and triglycerides. Waxes and sterols are also included. Anything that relates to lipids is termed as 'lipidic'. Lipids are insoluble in water. They are soluble in non-polar organic solvents (like ether and chloroform).

Lipids along with others components like proteins or phosphorus help in maintaining and development of cell membranes. These membranes are made up of lipid bi-layer. Lipids are the energy storage units of the body. Many people believe lipids to be fats. But, fats are a part of the group of called triglycerides which is grouped under lipids.