1. Lipids that contain carbohydrate groups; molecules composed of a lipid (fat) bonded to a sugar or carbohydrate chain, found especially in cell membranes.
Usage: technical; biochemistry; plural form; singular is glycolipid

Examples

• Glycolipids are important components of the outer layer of cell membranes.
• The brain contains high concentrations of glycolipids, particularly in nerve cell membranes.
• Glycolipids play a role in cell recognition and immune responses.
• Scientists study glycolipids to understand how cells communicate with each other.
• Certain diseases are associated with abnormal accumulation of glycolipids in the body.