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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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
When the researchers knocked out adipogenin production in mice, both fat droplets and in turn fat cells were smaller, indicating that the protein plays a key role in determining the size of the lipid package being stored in adipocytes. New Atlas, 25 Nov. 2025 The studies also demonstrate that the product does, indeed, integrate into surrounding tissue and promote the growth of new fat cells and blood vessels for a limited time after injection. Jolene Edgar, Allure, 19 Nov. 2025 The study, published in the journal Cell Metabolism, showed that fat cells under the skin can restart hair growth. Angelica Stabile, FOXNews.com, 2 Nov. 2025 They are not only enriched in our fat cells but also in plant oils, such as olive oil, soybean oils, etc. Jasmine Laws, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for fat cell

Word History

First Known Use

1840, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of fat cell was in 1840

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Cite this Entry

“Fat cell.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fat%20cell. Accessed 5 Dec. 2025.

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

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