adipose

American  

[ad-uh-pohs] / ˈæd əˌpoʊs /

adjective

1. fatty; consisting of, resembling, or relating to fat.

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noun

1. animal fat stored in the fatty tissue of the body.

adipose British  

/ -ˌpəʊz, ˈædɪˌpəʊs /

adjective

1. of, resembling, or containing fat; fatty

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noun

1. animal fat

adipose Scientific  

/ ăd′ə-pōs′ /

1. Relating to or consisting of animal fat.

2. ◆ Adipose tissue is a type of connective tissue consisting of adipose cells, which are specialized to produce and store large fat globules. These globules are composed mainly of glycerol esters of oleic, palmitic, and stearic acids. Adipose tissue is the main reservoir of fat in animals.

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Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• hyperadipose
  adjective
• adiposis
  noun
• adiposity
  noun
• adiposeness
  noun

Etymology

Origin of adipose

First recorded in 1735–45; from Latin adip-, stem of adeps “fat, lard” + -ose ¹

Example Sentences

Adipose tissue normally provides important mechanical benefits by cushioning vital organs and providing insulation.

From Science Daily • Jan. 29, 2024

Adipose tissue releases leptin, which is needed to produce gonadotropin-releasing hormone and gonadotropin.

From Textbooks • Jun. 9, 2022

Adipose cells store surplus energy in the form of fat and contribute to the thermal insulation of the body.

From Textbooks • Jun. 19, 2013

Adipose tissue stores excess lipids, which are otherwise toxic to the body.

From Nature • May 22, 2012

Adipose matter also exists in a considerable quantity in the orbit of the eye, which enables it to revolve by the slightest contraction of the muscles.

From The Dog by Youatt, William