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

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

The tissue may resemble fat, but fat cells don’t belong in cartilage. —Max G. Levy, WIRED, 9 Jan. 2025

Typically, their method involves removing fat cells from a customer via liposuction, treating the fat ostensibly to extract stem cells, and injecting those cells into the customer’s body. —Michael Hiltzik, Los Angeles Times, 17 Jan. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1840, in the meaning defined above

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