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 When under stress, the fat cells break down, releasing a blitz of cannabinoids into the bloodstream. Molly Sullivan, Sacramento Bee, 21 Feb. 2024 That’s in part because cannabinoids are stored in fat cells. Molly Sullivan, Sacramento Bee, 21 Feb. 2024 Your liver and fat cells store vitamin D for future use, Pittas says. Christie Aschwanden, Scientific American, 19 Dec. 2023 Picture a fat cell as a cup made of connective tissue. Bryant Stamford, The Courier-Journal, 17 Aug. 2023 When a person uses delta-8, it is absorbed into the bloodstream and then stored in fat cells. Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 9 Sep. 2023 This is because delta-8 is stored in fat cells, and individuals with higher body fat percentage may have a more prolonged elimination time. Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 3 Sep. 2023 Key Takeaways While this side effect is uncommon and reversible, eyelash growth serums containing prostaglandin analogs (PGAs) can cause fat cells around the eyes to shrink. Alyssa Hui, Verywell Health, 3 Nov. 2023 Its role is to dictate whether glucose is used, stored in muscles and the liver, or put into fat cells to save for later. Hannah Coates, Vogue, 27 Oct. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'fat 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

1840, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of fat cell was in 1840

Dictionary Entries Near fat cell

Cite this Entry

“Fat cell.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fat%20cell. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

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

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