fat cell

noun

Definition of fat cell

: 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 Additionally, since muscle cells have a higher concentration of water than fat cells, someone with more lean muscle mass will have higher water needs — and may need to consume more water — than someone with more fat mass. — Lisa Drayer, CNN, 14 May 2020 Researchers Marleen van Baak and Edwin Mariman of Maastricht University, for example, have proposed that the compensatory reflex begins with changes to the shape of fat cells. — Daniel Engber, Scientific American, 13 Jan. 2020 The little chambers in our skin that house fat cells look different between the sexes. — Sara Chodosh, Popular Science, 30 Dec. 2019 Liposuction: During surgery, a doctor can remove fat cells from specific spots to reshape your neck and chin. — Kaitlyn Pirie, Good Housekeeping, 7 Jan. 2020 Not to be forgotten are treatments like cool sculpting, a technique that freezes fat cells to death, giving someone the appearance of a slimmer, fitter physique. — Washington Post, 9 Jan. 2020 SculpSure® body contouring is a laser treatment that helps eliminate fat cells from a targeted area. — Ashleigh Morley, Harper's BAZAAR, 14 Jan. 2019 Foods rich in these healthful fats also lower the inflammatory response that’s thought to enlarge fat cells and raise the risk of health conditions, including type 2 diabetes, memory problems and cancer. — Samantha Cassetty, NBC News, 31 Oct. 2018 Lipid bilayers, made up of two sheets of fat cells, form the cell membrane. — Courtney Linder, Popular Mechanics, 7 Nov. 2019 See More

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'fat cell.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.