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

In another part of the study, the research team saw that fat cells behaved differently when drenched with blood collected from the HIIT folks, including changes involved in many genes that regulate fat and whole-body metabolism. — Will Stone, NPR, 24 Aug. 2026

Although 10 percent of fat cells are replaced every year, the total number stays relatively constant as adults age. — Literary Hub, 17 Aug. 2026

Replacing yellow fat cells under the skin, lost with aging, makes skin look more luminous. — Ingrid Schmidt, HollywoodReporter, 15 July 2026

Narula discussed the potential links between GLP-1s and breast cancer, explaining that after menopause, fat cells produce estrogen throughout the body, and higher levels of estrogen could translate to a higher risk of breast cancer. — ABC News, 3 June 2026

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