Fat cell

Fat cell
A cell containing fat. Also called an adipocyte. A fat cell, or adipocyte, is a connective tissue cell that has differentiated and become specialized in the synthesis (manufacture) and storage of fat. The fat cell (adipocyte) is important to the body in maintaining proper energy balance, storing calories in the form of lipids, mobilizing energy sources in response to hormonal stimulation, and commanding changes by signal secretions.

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fat cell n a fat-containing cell of adipose tissue called also adipocyte, lipocyte

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a connective tissue cell specialized for the synthesis and storage of fat; such cells are bloated with globules of triglycerides, the nucleus being displaced to one side and the cytoplasm seen as a thin line around the fat droplet. Called also adipose c., adipocyte, and lipocyte.

Medical dictionary. 2011.

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  • fat cell — fat′ cell n. cbl a cell in loose connective tissue that is specialized for the synthesis and storage of fat Also called adipocyte • Etymology: 1910–15 …   From formal English to slang

  • fat cell — n. a cell in connective tissue specialized for the synthesis of glucose, fatty acids, etc. and storage of the derived globules of fat …   English World dictionary

  • fat cell — noun cells composed of fat • Syn: ↑adipose cell • Hypernyms: ↑somatic cell, ↑vegetative cell • Substance Meronyms: ↑fat * * * noun : one of the constituent fat laden cells characteristic …   Useful english dictionary

  • fat cell — cell containing fat …   English contemporary dictionary

  • fat cell — Biol. a cell in loose connective tissue that is specialized for the synthesis and storage of fat. Also called adipocyte. [1910 15] * * * …   Universalium

  • fat cell — noun A cell of the body whose primary function is to store fat. Syn: adipocyte …   Wiktionary

  • fat cell — noun Date: 1845 one of the fat laden cells making up adipose tissue …   New Collegiate Dictionary

  • fat cell — See adipocyte …   Dictionary of molecular biology

  • Cell, fat — A cell containing fat. Also called an adipocyte. A fat cell, or adipocyte, is a connective tissue cell that has differentiated and become specialized in the synthesis (manufacture) and storage of fat. The fat cell (adipocyte) is important to the… …   Medical dictionary

  • fat — adj 1. obese, overweight, flabby, stout, portly, pursy, corpulent, Scot. fodgel; chubby, tubby, pudgy, plump; round, rounded out, rotund; fleshy, well fed; paunchy, potbellied, roundbellied, big bellied, large bellied, great bellied, abdominous,… …   A Note on the Style of the synonym finder

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