trans fat

noun

variants or trans-fat

ˈtran(t)s-ˈfat 

ˈtranz-

plural trans fats or trans-fats

: an unsaturated fat that contains a trans-fatty acid molecule which has a trans arrangement of double bonds in its hydrocarbon chain and that either occurs naturally in the meat and milk of ruminant animals (such as cows and sheep) or is manufactured by hydrogenating vegetable oil to create a fat (such as margarine or shortening) that is solid at room temperature

The trans fats to watch for are the ones artificially produced and placed in prepackaged foods or commercially prepared deep-fried foods. These trans fats are introduced during cooking or during the manufacturing process to help extend a product's shelf life. They also help some foods taste more satisfying.

—Jennifer Moll

… if you are not minding your intake of another harmful fat called trans-fat, you might still be increasing your risk of heart disease. Indeed, whereas saturated fat raises the body's level of bad "LDL" cholesterol, trans-fat packs a double whammy by also reducing the good "HDL" cholesterol that protects against heart disease …

—Anne Tergesen

compare saturated fat

Examples of trans fat in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

One looked at how healthy a child’s diet was, giving more points for healthier foods, such as legumes, whole grains and vegetables, and deducting points for less healthy foods, including red meat and products high in salt and trans fats. —Lindsey Leake, NBC news, 7 May 2025

Foods that contain high fructose corn syrup, trans fats, or high amounts of fat and carbohydrates can contribute to MASLD risk, said Lisa Ganjhu, DO, a clinical professor of medicine and a hepatologist at NYU Langone Health. —Stephanie Brown, Verywell Health, 8 Apr. 2025

Labels can also provide information on levels of sodium and trans fats. —Katia Hetter, CNN Money, 6 Apr. 2025

Diets high in red and processed meats, sugary beverages, trans fat, and sodium had the opposite effect. —Stephanie Brown, Verywell Health, 31 Mar. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1974, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for trans fat

• begat
• bobcat
• chitchat
• doormat
• ducat
• eclat
• format
• hazmat
• muskrat
• nonfat
• polecat
• thereat

Medical Definition

trans fat

noun

variants or trans-fat

: an unsaturated fat that contains a trans-fatty acid molecule which has a trans arrangement of double bonds in its hydrocarbon chain and that either occurs naturally in the meat and milk of ruminant animals (such as cows or sheep) or is manufactured by hydrogenating vegetable oil to create a fat (such as margarine or shortening) that is solid at room temperature

Consumption of red meat and trans fats is associated with an increased risk of laparoscopically confirmed endometriosis …

—Linda C. Guidice, The New England Journal of Medicine

Trans fat is created when manufacturers partially hydrogenate liquid oils to make them more solid, more stable, and less greasy-tasting.

—Nutrition Action Health Letter

compare saturated fat