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.
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
Jeannie RalstonExamples of fat cell in a Sentence
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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
The results confirmed that older stem cells are more likely to lead to new fat cells, regardless of the age of the host receiving them, the press release noted.
—Khloe Quill, FOXNews.com, 1 May 2025
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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
The results confirmed that older stem cells are more likely to lead to new fat cells, regardless of the age of the host receiving them, the press release noted.
—Khloe Quill, FOXNews.com, 1 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for fat cell
Cite this Entry
“Fat cell.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fat%20cell. Accessed 12 Jul. 2025.
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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.
compare lipocyte
Jeffrey S. Flier et al.Love words? Need even more definitions?
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