cellulite

[sel-yuh-lahyt, -leet]

noun

1. lumpy fat deposits, especially in the thighs and buttocks.

cellulite

/ ˈsɛljʊˌlaɪt /

noun

1. a name sometimes given to subcutaneous fat alleged to resist dieting

cellulite

1. A popular term for fat that is difficult to remove by dieting and that often has a dimpled appearance. There is no physiological difference between cellulite and ordinary fat.

Word History and Origins

Origin of cellulite¹

First recorded in 1970–75; from French: literally, “formation of fatty deposits under the skin,” originally, “cellulitis,” equivalent to cellule cell + -ite “-itis” (a suffix indicating inflammation) but taken in English as -ite ¹ (a suffix indicating part of the body); cellule, -itis, -ite ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of cellulite¹

C20: from French, from cellule cell

Example Sentences

He cited the cellulite butter, a moisturizer that is supposed to help reduce the bumps and ripples on skin created by cellulite.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Some claimed GPs dismissed symptoms as a "severe bout of cellulite", "growing pains", obesity and arthritis.

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She was panicked that other teammates, spectators, coaches, officials, et. al might be able to see cellulite on her legs.

Read more on Salon

Appropriate to a realm in which death and cellulite are not a thing, Barbie Land revels in the bright tones of immortality.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Contestants said finalists were unexpectedly asked to strip for "a body check for scars and cellulite" and some said they were photographed topless.

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Related Words

• flesh