phospholipid

American  

[fos-foh-lip-id] / ˌfɒs foʊˈlɪp ɪd /

noun

Biochemistry.

1. any of a group of fatty compounds, as lecithin, composed of phosphoric esters, and occurring in living cells.

---

phospholipid British  

/ ˌfɒsfəˈlɪpɪd /

noun

1. Also called: phosphatide.  any of a group of compounds composed of fatty acids, phosphoric acid, and a nitrogenous base: important constituents of all membranes

---

phospholipid Scientific  

/ fŏs′fō-lĭp′ĭd /

1. Any of various phosphorus-containing lipids, such as lecithin, that are composed mainly of fatty acids, a phosphate group, and a simple organic molecule such as glycerol. Phospholipids are the main lipids in cell membranes.

---

Etymology

Origin of phospholipid

First recorded in 1925–30; phospho- + lipid

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

phospholipid

To better understand why this happens, the research team examined a phospholipid called PIP2, which is found in brain cell membranes.

From Science Daily ● Dec. 25, 2025

The fatty acid composition, phospholipid composition, and protein composition, including casein and whey protein genetic variations, were, in general, remarkably similar.

From Science Daily ● Mar. 27, 2024

These channels facilitate water transportation across cells more rapidly than diffusion through the membrane phospholipid bilayer.

From Science Daily ● Dec. 21, 2023

Both phospholipid molecules and embedded proteins are able to diffuse rapidly and laterally in the membrane.

From Textbooks ● Apr. 25, 2013

Peripheral proteins are found on the exterior or interior surfaces of membranes, attached either to integral proteins or to phospholipid molecules.

From Textbooks ● Apr. 25, 2013