Synonyms

fats

American

[fats] / fæts /

noun

(used with a plural verb) cattle fattened and ready for market.

fats Cultural

Organic compounds that serve as a reserve of energy for the body. Fat is stored in the body's fat tissues, which provide support, protection, and insulation for the body and its organs. A balanced diet must include some fats because, in addition to providing energy for the body, they are necessary for the absorption of certain vitamins.

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.

“In summary, as part of heart-healthy dietary patterns, nontropical plant sources of fat should be used as part of food preparation in place of animal fats and tropical oils.”

From Los Angeles Times

Biofuels such as renewable diesel are made from plant oils—especially soybeans—and animal fats.

From The Wall Street Journal

It’s widely accepted that eating whole foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, healthy fats and lean proteins supports health and reduces the risk of many diseases.

From MarketWatch

A. The federal dietary guidelines have long recommended that people limit added sugars, saturated fats and sodium.

From The Wall Street Journal

However, earlier studies suggest that ultra-processed foods tend to be high in calories, added sugars and fats, and may affect hunger and metabolism.

From Science Daily

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023