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brown fat
noun
: a mammalian heat-producing tissue occurring especially in human fetuses and newborn infants and in hibernating animals
called also brown adipose tissue
Examples of brown fat in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
It has been found to affect the body's metabolism, promoting fat browning (conversion of white fat cells into brown fat cells) and enhancing thermogenesis (the production of heat by the body).
—Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 3 Apr. 2024
Researchers found that lower temperatures prompted the body to convert more white adipose tissue into disposable brown fat for heat, according to a 2012 study in the Journal of Clinical Investigation.
—Max Bennett, Discover Magazine, 8 Feb. 2024
Although people with more brown fat burn more calories when they’re exposed to cold than people who don’t, brown fat alone doesn’t explain the difference.
—Max G. Levy, WIRED, 6 Jan. 2024
Then, about 20 years ago, scientists discovered brown fat in adult humans.
—Max G. Levy, WIRED, 6 Jan. 2024
But the amount of brown fat varies from person to person.
—Max G. Levy, WIRED, 6 Jan. 2024
Others are using cold exposure to make bodies generate brown fat.
—IEEE Spectrum, 22 May 2018
Still others are trying to convert individual cells (such as stem cells or white fat cells) into brown fat cells.
—IEEE Spectrum, 22 May 2018
Aid in Weight Loss: Both doctors also say exposure to cold temperatures can activate brown fat activity, a type of fat that generates heat by burning calories.
—Sophie Dweck, Town & Country, 30 Aug. 2023
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'brown fat.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
First Known Use
1902, in the meaning defined above
Dictionary Entries Near brown fat
Cite this Entry
“Brown fat.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/brown%20fat. Accessed 29 May. 2024.
Medical Definition
brown fat
noun
: a mammalian heat-producing tissue occurring especially in human fetuses and newborn infants and in hibernating animals
called also brown adipose tissue
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