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sphin·go·lip·id

(sfĭnggə-lĭp′ĭd, -lī′pĭd)

Any of a group of lipids, such as the ceramides, that yield sphingosine or its derivatives upon hydrolysis. They are major components of cell membranes and play a role in signaling and regulatory functions.

[SPHINGO(SINE) + LIPID.]

Indo-European & Semitic Roots Appendices

Thousands of entries in the dictionary include etymologies that trace their origins back to reconstructed proto-languages. You can obtain more information about these forms in our online appendices:

Indo-European Roots

Semitic Roots

The Indo-European appendix covers nearly half of the Indo-European roots that have left their mark on English words. A more complete treatment of Indo-European roots and the English words derived from them is available in our Dictionary of Indo-European Roots.

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