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

This is because fat cells make substances that may lead to gum inflammation and worsen gum health.12 Medication Side Effects Dry mouth is a side effect of many medications, which can raise the risk of tartar buildup and gum disease. —Mark Gurarie, Health, 29 May 2025

The condition is characterized by estrogen signaling fat cells to multiply and enlarge, predominantly affecting the arms and legs. —Cheryl Robinson, Forbes.com, 13 June 2025

Of the various fatty acids studied, only oleic acid triggered the body’s fat cell development pathway, which saw a boost in the production of adipocyte precursor cells (APC) and an acceleration in those cells maturing into fat cells. —Bronwyn Thompson, New Atlas, 9 June 2025

Many factors lead to the frustrating cycle of weight gain and weight loss — but the driving force may be fat cells keeping a memory of obesity. —Shiv Sudhakar, FOXNews.com, 28 May 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1840, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for fat cell

• barbell
• bedwell
• befell
• bluebell
• bombshell
• bridewell
• capelle
• cartel
• carvel
• clamshell
• cogswell
• compel

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