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foam cell
noun
: a swollen vacuolated macrophage filled with lipid inclusions that often accumulates along arterial walls and is characteristic of some conditions of disturbed lipid metabolism
Examples of foam cell in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The 12-inch mattress includes specific types of extra support under the shoulders and hips and is composed of foam cells designed to be breathable.
—NBC News, 17 Feb. 2020
Open-cell foam cells are filled with air, which gives the insulation a spongy texture.
—Timothy Dahl, Popular Mechanics, 13 Jan. 2019
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'foam 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
1926, in the meaning defined above
Dictionary Entries Near foam cell
Cite this Entry
“Foam cell.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/foam%20cell. Accessed 4 Jul. 2024.
Medical Definition
foam cell
noun
: a swollen vacuolated macrophage filled with lipid inclusions that often accumulates along arterial walls and is characteristic of some conditions of disturbed lipid metabolism
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Merriam-Webster unabridged
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