ENGLISH
REFERENCE

fats

n.
US //ˈfæts// UK //fˈæts// fats
  1. 1 nutritional types (n.)
    B1 Intermediate Science

    different types of oily substances found in food, like butter or oil, that your body uses for energy.

    various types of lipids or oily substances found in animal and plant tissues, especially when categorised by their chemical structure in nutrition.

    Example

    Healthy fats like those found in avocados are good for your heart.

    Example

    The nutritionist explained the difference between saturated and unsaturated fats, emphasizing that the latter are essential for maintaining healthy cholesterol levels.

    Usage

    Often used as a plural noun when discussing different categories like 'saturated' or 'unsaturated' fats.
  2. 2 body tissue (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Medicine

    the oily parts of a person's or animal's body.

    the pluralised reference to adipose tissue or oily deposits within a biological organism.

    Example

    The chef trimmed the excess fats from the meat before cooking it.

    Example

    The study examined how different animal fats react when exposed to high temperatures during the rendering process.

    Usage

    Usually refers to the physical substance rather than the abstract concept of weight.
    • adipose tissue

Last updated June 20, 2026