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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As a result, differentiation of new fat cells is reduced, along with fat accumulation.
—Bronwyn Thompson, New Atlas, 7 May 2025
With this method, stem cells are grafted together with the fat and may work quicker to develop these vascularization processes, resulting in better outcomes for the survival of fat cells.
—Parizaad Khan Sethi, Allure, 2 May 2025
Leptin is secreted by fat cells and binds to the brain's hypothalamus (like ghrelin).
—Brittany Lubeck, Ms, Rdn, Verywell Health, 14 Apr. 2025
The ballooning visceral fat cells along with the fat in your organs can then release chemicals that set off alarm bells for your immune system, triggering a chronic state of inflammation—which ups your risk for conditions like heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and cancer.
—Erica Sloan, SELF, 26 Mar. 2025
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Bronwyn Thompson, New Atlas, 7 May 2025
With this method, stem cells are grafted together with the fat and may work quicker to develop these vascularization processes, resulting in better outcomes for the survival of fat cells.
—Parizaad Khan Sethi, Allure, 2 May 2025
Leptin is secreted by fat cells and binds to the brain's hypothalamus (like ghrelin).
—Brittany Lubeck, Ms, Rdn, Verywell Health, 14 Apr. 2025
The ballooning visceral fat cells along with the fat in your organs can then release chemicals that set off alarm bells for your immune system, triggering a chronic state of inflammation—which ups your risk for conditions like heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and cancer.
—Erica Sloan, SELF, 26 Mar. 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 20 May. 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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