lipós

Lipós is a term of Greek origin used primarily as a root in scientific vocabulary to denote fat or fatty substances. In Greek, λίπος (lípos) means fat or grease, and this meaning carries into many languages through the combining form lip(o)-. In medical, biological, and nutritional terminology, lipos- appears in a variety of terms related to fat metabolism, storage, and behavior.

Common uses include lipogenesis, the synthesis of fat; lipolysis, the breakdown of fats; and lipophilic, describing substances that preferentially dissolve in fats. The broader category of molecules known as lipids is closely associated with this root, reflecting their relation to fats and fat-soluble compounds. The prefix lipos- also features in clinical terms such as liposuction, a surgical procedure that reduces adipose tissue by removing fat through suction.

Usage and interpretation: Lipós is most often encountered as a morpheme within longer words rather than as a standalone concept. It serves as a linguistic bridge connecting fat-related biology to medical procedures, chemistry, and physiology. Variants and related forms may differ by language, but the underlying idea remains the same: a relationship to fat or fatty substances.

See also: adipose tissue, lipids, lipase, lipogenesis, lipolysis, lipophilic, liposuction.