Fat

Definition

Fat can refer to a natural oily or greasy substance found in animal bodies or plants, a nutrient essential for energy, or the quality of being overweight. It is also used figuratively to describe something rich or abundant.

Parts of Speech

• Noun
• Adjective

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /fæt/
• Respelling: fat

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /fæt/
• Respelling: fat

Etymology

The word "fat" originates from the Old English "fǣtt," meaning "well-fed" or "plump." It is derived from the Proto-Germanic "*faitaz*" and the Proto-Indo-European root "*poi-" (to be fat or swell). Over time, its meaning expanded to include the substance produced by animals and plants.

Derivatives

• Fatty (adjective)
• Fatten (verb)
• Fattening (adjective)
• Fatness (noun)
• Fat-free (adjective)

Synonyms

• Grease
• Lipid
• Obese (adjective context)

Antonyms

• Lean
• Thin
• Skinny

Usage

The term "fat" is widely used in both literal and figurative contexts. For instance, "The meat contains a lot of fat," "She avoided foods high in fat," or "He criticized the company for its fat budget."

Related Terms

• Cholesterol: A type of fat-like substance found in the blood.
• Calorie: A unit of energy often used to measure fat content.
• Obesity: A condition characterized by excessive body fat.

Detailed Definitions

Noun

• A natural oily substance found in animal bodies and some plants: Refers to the organic compound used for energy storage.
  • Example: "The steak was marbled with fat."
• Excessive body weight or adipose tissue: Describes the physical state of having a high proportion of fat tissue.
  • Example: "He aimed to reduce his fat percentage through exercise."
• A surplus or rich resource: Used metaphorically to describe abundance or excess.
  • Example: "The company trimmed the fat from its budget."

Adjective

• Overweight or plump: Refers to a person, animal, or object that is larger than average due to excess fat.
  • Example: "The cat was well-fed and quite fat."
• Rich in fat or oily: Describes food or substances containing a high proportion of fat.
  • Example: "The soup was creamy and fat."
• Abundant or profitable: Often used metaphorically to describe success or affluence.
  • Example: "The harvest was particularly fat this year."