cellulite

[ sel-yuh-lahyt, -leet ]

noun

1. lumpy fat deposits, especially in the thighs and buttocks.

cellulite

/ ˈsɛljʊˌlaɪt /

noun

1. a name sometimes given to subcutaneous fat alleged to resist dieting

cellulite

1. A popular term for fat that is difficult to remove by dieting and that often has a dimpled appearance. There is no physiological difference between cellulite and ordinary fat.

Word History and Origins

Origin of cellulite¹

First recorded in 1970–75; from French: literally, “formation of fatty deposits under the skin,” originally, “cellulitis,” equivalent to cellule cell + -ite “-itis” (a suffix indicating inflammation) but taken in English as -ite ¹ (a suffix indicating part of the body); cellule, -itis, -ite ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of cellulite¹

C20: from French, from cellule cell

Example Sentences

If there was a rough cellulite dimple, we might take it out.

From The Daily Beast

While slips can hide VPL and your backside on a windy day, Spanx can help hide a lot more, like cellulite or a protruding tummy.

From The Daily Beast

She was once involved in a bizarre “news” scandal after photos of her supposed cellulite surfaced while she was on the beach.

From The Daily Beast

Related Words

• flesh