fats
Americannoun
Usage
What are fats? Fats are greasy substances found in the tissues of animals and some plants. Many of the foods we eat contain these fats. Foods from animals, such as meat, milk, and eggs, all contain fats. So do some plant-based foods, such as nuts, avocados, and olive oil. The singular form fat can be used to collectively refer to the same thing. The body stores and uses fat for energy. The plural form fats is most often used in the context of nutrition. There are several different kinds of fats, such as saturated fats, unsaturated fats, and trans-fats, each of which can have different effects on a person’s nutrition and health. In general, it’s usually recommended not to consume too much fat. However, some fats are necessary in a diet because they help the body to absorb vitamins. The nutrition label on food products usually tell you exactly how much fat and what kinds of fats are in them. Example: This diet is based on avoiding foods that are high in fats.
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Many people consume too much fat in their diet; this imbalance can contribute to various diseases (such as disorders of the heart). Some fats, called saturated fats, have been found to raise the level of cholesterol in the blood, whereas other fats, called unsaturated fats, may help reduce blood cholesterol levels.
Etymology
Origin of fats
Plural of fat
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.
Trans fats are a type of unsaturated fat.
From Science Daily ● Oct. 8, 2026
The results showed no meaningful differences in blood lipid levels between those consuming dairy foods with higher levels of natural trans fats and those consuming regular dairy products.
From Science Daily ● Oct. 8, 2026
The first-of-its-kind research, published in the journal Nutrition Research, could also help consumers better understand the distinction between different types of trans fats and provide greater clarity around labeling policies that may contribute to confusion.
From Science Daily ● Oct. 8, 2026
"Conversely, fried fast foods, often high in unhealthy fats, trans fats, and advanced glycation end-products, may contribute to inflammation and vascular damage," they add.
From Science Daily ● Oct. 1, 2026
Trans fats are also used in processed snacks, baked goods, and many other processed foods.
From "The Omnivore's Dilemma" by Michael Pollan
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.
