fat cell
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Noun: A specialized cell in the body whose primary function is to store energy in the form of fat (lipid). These cells make up adipose tissue.
Usage
The term "fat cell" is used to refer to the biological cells that store triglycerides. It is a common term in biology, health, and nutrition contexts. - During weight gain, existing fat cells expand in size. - Adipose tissue is primarily composed of fat cells.
Advanced Usage
- Adipocyte: This is the scientific, technical term for a fat cell.
- An adipocyte is a type of connective tissue cell.
- Brown fat cell: A specialized type of fat cell involved in generating body heat.
- Brown fat cells are more abundant in infants.
Variants and Related Words
- Adipocyte (n): The formal biological term for a fat cell.
- Adipose tissue (n): The connective tissue composed mainly of fat cells.
- Lipid droplet (n): The storage unit within a fat cell.
Synonyms
- Adipocyte
- Lipocyte (less common)
Related Phrases
- Fat cell hyperplasia: An increase in the of fat cells.
- Fat cell hypertrophy: An increase in the of fat cells.