brown fat

noun

1. brownish-yellow adipose tissue in the upper back, or interscapular, region of many mammals, most conspicuously in hibernating species and human newborns, composed of numerous innervated fat cells that can produce heat during cold stress; thermogenic tissue.

brown fat

noun

1. tissue composed of a type of fat cell that dissipates as heat most of the energy released when food is oxidized; brown adipose tissue. It is present in hibernating animals and human babies and is thought to be important in adult weight control

Word History and Origins

Origin of brown fat¹

First recorded in 1950–55

Example Sentences

Scientists have now created human brown fat cells in the lab and tranferred it into mice.

From Science News For Students

In 2009, researchers showed adult humans also have brown fat that responds to cold temperatures.

From Science News For Students

We don’t know whether it’s safe for adults to have as much brown fat as babies, points out van Marken Lichtenbelt.

From Science News For Students

Low temperatures turn on those power factories in brown fat.

From Science News For Students