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.
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 As a result, differentiation of new fat cells is reduced, along with fat accumulation. Bronwyn Thompson, New Atlas, 7 May 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 24 Jun. 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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