lipophilic

adjective

li·​po·​phil·​ic ˌlī-pə-ˈfi-lik How to pronounce lipophilic (audio) ˌli- How to pronounce lipophilic (audio)
: having an affinity for lipids (such as fats)
a lipophilic metabolite

Examples of lipophilic 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.
But the peptides in the new vaccine, called lipophilic peptides, have something past treatments did not — a tail. Kaitlin Sullivan, NBC news, 11 Aug. 2025 Many drugs are poorly water-soluble and lipophilic (fat-loving), and both pose challenges to bioavailability. Paul McClure 13, New Atlas, 13 Feb. 2025 Yadav said that vitamins could be administered transdermally, but only if they were formulated as nanoparticles and encased in a lipophilic (fat-soluble) substance. Rachel Murphy, Verywell Health, 11 June 2024 Hydrophilic molecules love water, while lipophilic molecules love fat. Caroline Delbert, Popular Mechanics, 6 May 2023 The ingredient is a beta-hydroxy acid, and one that’s lipophilic. Melanie Rud, Peoplemag, 7 Apr. 2023

Word History

First Known Use

1939, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of lipophilic was in 1939

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Cite this Entry

“Lipophilic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lipophilic. Accessed 6 Jul. 2026.

Medical Definition

lipophilic

adjective
li·​po·​phil·​ic ˌlip-ə-ˈfil-ik How to pronounce lipophilic (audio) ˌlīp- How to pronounce lipophilic (audio)
: having an affinity for lipids (as fats)
a lipophilic metabolite
compare hydrophilic, lyophilic, oleophilic
lipophilicity noun
plural lipophilicities
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