adipose
Americanadjective
noun
adjective
noun
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Relating to or consisting of animal fat.
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◆ 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.
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
Etymology
Origin of adipose
First recorded in 1735–45; from Latin adip-, stem of adeps “fat, lard” + -ose 1
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Adipose tissue normally provides important mechanical benefits by cushioning vital organs and providing insulation.
From Science Daily • Jan. 29, 2024
Adipose tissue releases leptin needed to produce gonadotropin-releasing hormone and gonadotropin.
From Textbooks • Jun. 9, 2022
Adipose tissues additionally serve as insulation to help maintain body temperatures, allowing animals to be endothermic, and they function as cushioning against damage to body organs.
From Textbooks • Jun. 9, 2022
Adipose tissue stores excess lipids, which are otherwise toxic to the body.
From Nature • May 22, 2012
Adipose tissue is simply connective tissue loaded with fat-distended cells.
From Text Book of Biology, Part 1: Vertebrata by Wells, H. G. (Herbert George)
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.