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
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
Microplastics tend to gather in fat cells in the insulating sheath that wraps around the brain's neurons and helps to regulate signal transmission—this accumulation may explain why microplastic concentrations in the brain are higher than in other organs, the team said.
—Anders Fogh Rasmussen, Newsweek, 5 Feb. 2025
These beige fat cells can then convert back to white fat cells when summer comes again.
—Bethany Brookshire, Scientific American, 27 Mar. 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.
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
Microplastics tend to gather in fat cells in the insulating sheath that wraps around the brain's neurons and helps to regulate signal transmission—this accumulation may explain why microplastic concentrations in the brain are higher than in other organs, the team said.
—Anders Fogh Rasmussen, Newsweek, 5 Feb. 2025
These beige fat cells can then convert back to white fat cells when summer comes again.
—Bethany Brookshire, Scientific American, 27 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 24 Apr. 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