adipose cell
Noun A specialized cell whose primary function is to store energy in the form of fat (lipid). These cells are the main cellular component of adipose tissue (body fat).
The term "adipose cell" is used in biological, medical, and anatomical contexts to refer to the individual fat-storing unit. It describes the cell's type and primary function.
Examples * Under a microscope, the large, round adipose cell is easily identifiable by its single, prominent lipid droplet. * The number of adipose cells in the body can increase during periods of weight gain. * Researchers are studying how adipose cells communicate with other organs in the body.
- White adipose cell: The most common type, specialized for energy storage and insulation.
- Brown adipose cell: A type involved in generating body heat (thermogenesis), especially in infants and some adults.
- Adipocyte: This is a direct synonym and the more technical term used in scientific literature. (e.g., )
- Fat cell: A common, non-technical synonym. (e.g., )
- Adipose tissue: The connective tissue composed of a collection of adipose cells. (This is a related but distinct term referring to the tissue, not the individual cell.)
- Adipocyte
- Fat cell
- Lipocyte (less common)
The term specifically denotes the biological cell. It is not used to describe general body fat, obesity, or fatty substances outside of this cellular context. The compound word "adipose cell" itself is not typically broken down into separate phrasal verbs or idioms.
- cells composed of fat