Triglyceride

Definition

A triglyceride is a type of lipid molecule made up of three fatty acids attached to a glycerol backbone, serving as a major form of energy storage in the body. They are found in the blood and are derived from fats eaten in foods or made in the body from other energy sources like carbohydrates.

Related terms

Fatty acid: A long hydrocarbon chain with a carboxylic acid group at one end, which can be saturated or unsaturated and is one of the building blocks of triglycerides.

Glycerol:

A three-carbon molecule that serves as the backbone to which three fatty acids are attached to form triglycerides.

Lipid: A broad group of naturally occurring molecules that includes fats, waxes, sterols, fat-soluble vitamins (such as vitamins A, D, E, and K), monoglycerides, diglycerides, phospholipids, and others