brown fat

American  

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.

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brown fat British  

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

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Etymology

Origin of brown fat

First recorded in 1950–55

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

brown fat

Scientists have uncovered a molecular "switch" in mice that turns on a hidden energy-burning system inside brown fat, a discovery that could eventually help researchers develop new treatments for bone disease.

From Science Daily ● May 12, 2026

"Our research shows that just having brown fat isn't enough -- you need the right infrastructure within the tissue for heat production," said Shamsi.

From Science Daily ● Mar. 28, 2026

In contrast, brown fat is present in smaller amounts and plays a specialized role in controlling body temperature and supporting metabolic health.

From Science Daily ● Mar. 28, 2026

In contrast, targeting brown fat could increase how much energy the body uses.

From Science Daily ● Mar. 28, 2026

They are about an inch long, gray and brown, fat and greasy-looking.

From Ontario Teachers' Manuals: Nature Study by Ontario. Ministry of Education