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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According to Natacha Bonjout, French pharmacist and founder of Bonjout Beauty, the ingredient is based on plant extract Anemarrhena asphodeloides root, which is rich in sarsasapogenin to stimulate fat cells.
—Audrey Noble, Vogue, 29 Jan. 2026
There are a variety of stem-cell options available such as your own bone marrow, your own fat cells, amniotic stem cells, and embryonic stem cells.
—Harlan Selesnick, Miami Herald, 23 Jan. 2026
The third hormone, glucagon, speeds up metabolism and helps the body break down fat cells for energy.
—Angelica Stabile, FOXNews.com, 12 Jan. 2026
Animal studies found that mice fed a diet with higher amounts of miso gained less body fat and had smaller fat cells than mice on lower-miso diets.
—Kathleen Ferraro, Verywell Health, 19 Dec. 2025
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Audrey Noble, Vogue, 29 Jan. 2026
There are a variety of stem-cell options available such as your own bone marrow, your own fat cells, amniotic stem cells, and embryonic stem cells.
—Harlan Selesnick, Miami Herald, 23 Jan. 2026
The third hormone, glucagon, speeds up metabolism and helps the body break down fat cells for energy.
—Angelica Stabile, FOXNews.com, 12 Jan. 2026
Animal studies found that mice fed a diet with higher amounts of miso gained less body fat and had smaller fat cells than mice on lower-miso diets.
—Kathleen Ferraro, Verywell Health, 19 Dec. 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 30 Jan. 2026.
Copy CitationMedical 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
Jeffrey S. Flier et al.Love words? Need even more definitions?
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