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fat cell
noun
: a specialized cell of adipose tissue that stores excess energy in the form of triglyceride droplets : adipocyte
When food is not available and insulin levels fall, the fat cells release triglycerides back into the bloodstream, where they are transported to the liver and broken down into ketones, which can serve as fuel for muscle and the brain.—Jeffrey S. Flier et al.
Cellulite is formed by a collection of fat cells around the fibrous cords that attach skin to muscle.—Jeannie Ralston
Examples of fat cell in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Apple cider vinegar may even block the formation of new fat cells and help remove cholesterol from the body.5
Large-scale human trials should be conducted to repeat and confirm these positive results.
—Elizabeth Barnes, Verywell Health, 24 May 2024
Keto Supplements During the process of burning fat, fat cells are broken down into ketones, which are subsequently utilized for energy.
—Robert James and, Miami Herald, 8 Apr. 2024
Garcinia cambogia is a plant extract that can boost your metabolism, help break down fat cells, and reduce your cravings.
—Weight Loss Advisors, Discover Magazine, 3 Apr. 2024
Wilson says the same applies to other studies that suggest that wasabi can help with healthy weight management by impacting fat cell growth and formation.
—Daryl Austin, USA TODAY, 20 Mar. 2024
According to the scientists who’d developed it, each pink-tinged grain was seeded with muscle and fat cells from a cow, imparting a nutty, umami flavor.
—Yasmin Tayag, The Atlantic, 8 Mar. 2024
When under stress, the fat cells break down, releasing a blitz of cannabinoids into the bloodstream.
—Molly Sullivan, Sacramento Bee, 21 Feb. 2024
That’s in part because cannabinoids are stored in fat cells.
—Molly Sullivan, Sacramento Bee, 21 Feb. 2024
Your liver and fat cells store vitamin D for future use, Pittas says.
—Christie Aschwanden, Scientific American, 19 Dec. 2023
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'fat cell.' 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
1840, in the meaning defined above
Dictionary Entries Near fat cell
Cite this Entry
“Fat cell.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fat%20cell. Accessed 10 Jun. 2024.
Kids Definition
fat cell
noun
: any of the fat-containing cells that make up the connective tissue in which bodily fat is stored
Medical Definition
fat cell
noun
: a specialized cell of adipose tissue that stores excess energy in the form of triglyceride droplets : adipocyte
When food is not available and insulin levels fall, the fat cells release triglycerides back into the bloodstream, where they are transported to the liver and broken down into ketones, which can serve as fuel for muscle and the brain.—Jeffrey S. Flier et al.
compare lipocyte
More from Merriam-Webster on fat cell
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about fat cell
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