foam cell

noun

: a swollen vacuolated macrophage filled with lipid inclusions that often accumulates along arterial walls and is characteristic of some conditions of disturbed lipid metabolism

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web The 12-inch mattress includes specific types of extra support under the shoulders and hips and is composed of foam cells designed to be breathable. —

NBC News, 17 Feb. 2020 Open-cell foam cells are filled with air, which gives the insulation a spongy texture. —

Timothy Dahl, Popular Mechanics, 13 Jan. 2019

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'foam cell.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1926, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of foam cell was in 1926

See more words from the same year

Cite this Entry

Style

“Foam cell.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/foam%20cell. Accessed 9 Jun. 2023.

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Medical Definition

foam cell

noun

: a swollen vacuolated macrophage filled with lipid inclusions that often accumulates along arterial walls and is characteristic of some conditions of disturbed lipid metabolism