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
Recent Examples on the Web
The team found that CD44 deficiency reduced serotonin levels in white fat tissue, which impaired the formation of new white fat cells.
—Michael Irving, New Atlas, 27 Feb. 2025
Also, people who ate later in the day stored more fat cells.
—Amber J. Tresca, Verywell Health, 16 Dec. 2024
Yellow bone marrow: This portion of the bone marrow comprises fat cells, immature bone, and cartilage cells that will eventually help remodel, renew, and strengthen your bones.
—Gagandeep Brar, Verywell Health, 14 Feb. 2025
Creatine may cause weight loss by increasing the burning of fat cells, reducing the storage of triglycerides, and increasing the energy your fat cells use.
—Emmanuella Ogbonna, Health, 22 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for fat cell
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Michael Irving, New Atlas, 27 Feb. 2025
Also, people who ate later in the day stored more fat cells.
—Amber J. Tresca, Verywell Health, 16 Dec. 2024
Yellow bone marrow: This portion of the bone marrow comprises fat cells, immature bone, and cartilage cells that will eventually help remodel, renew, and strengthen your bones.
—Gagandeep Brar, Verywell Health, 14 Feb. 2025
Creatine may cause weight loss by increasing the burning of fat cells, reducing the storage of triglycerides, and increasing the energy your fat cells use.
—Emmanuella Ogbonna, Health, 22 Jan. 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 29 Mar. 2025.
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?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share