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fat

n. · adj. · v.
US //ˈfæt// UK //fˈæt// fat
  1. 1 biological substance (n.)
    A2 Elementary Science

    a natural oily substance found in the bodies of people and animals.

    a specialized animal tissue with high lipid content used for energy storage and insulation.

    Example

    Whales have a thick layer of fat to keep them warm in cold water.

    Example

    The body stores excess calories as adipose tissue, commonly known as fat, to serve as a metabolic reserve during periods of food scarcity.
  2. 2 cooking ingredient (n.)
    A2 Elementary Cooking

    oil, butter, or lard used in cooking.

    any of various solid or liquid ester compounds used as a medium for heat transfer or as a nutritional component in food preparation.

    Example

    You should drain the excess fat from the pan before adding the vegetables.

    Example

    The chef recommended using animal fat rather than vegetable oil to achieve a more authentic flavour profile in the traditional pastry.
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  1. 3 body size (adj.)
    A1 Beginner Informal

    having a lot of extra flesh on the body.

    carrying a significant amount of excess body fat; often carries a derogatory or informal register depending on context.

    Example

    The cat grew fat because it spent all day sleeping and eating.

    Example

    The doctor advised the patient that being clinically fat increased the risk of developing cardiovascular complications later in life.
    Pitfall
    He is a fat.
    He is fat.

    When describing a person's appearance, use 'fat' as an adjective, not as a noun.

  2. 4 thick or large (adj.)
    B1 Intermediate

    thick, wide, or containing a lot of something.

    notably thick in diameter or substantial in volume.

    Example

    He used a fat permanent marker to write the sign.

    Example

    The executive received a fat bonus at the end of the fiscal year due to the company's record-breaking profits.
  3. 5 rich sound (adj.)
    C1 Advanced Informal Technical Music

    having a full, deep, and powerful sound.

    characterised by a rich, full-bodied timbre with prominent low-frequency resonance.

    Example

    The producer wanted a fat bass sound for the new dance track.

    Example

    By layering multiple oscillators, the synthesist created a fat lead tone that cut through the dense arrangement of the rock anthem.
  4. 6 to hit the ground first (v.)
    C2 Proficiency Technical Sport

    to hit the ground with your club before hitting the ball.

    to strike the turf behind the ball during a swing, resulting in a poor shot with reduced distance.

    Example

    I fatted my iron shot and the ball only went half the distance.

    Example

    The amateur golfer tended to fat his wedge shots whenever he played from a soft, damp lie.
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