trans fat
noun
variants
or trans-fat
ˈtran(t)s-ˈfat 
ˈtranz-
plural trans fats or trans-fats
: an unsaturated fat that contains a trans-fatty acid molecule which has a trans arrangement of double bonds in its hydrocarbon chain and that either occurs naturally in the meat and milk of ruminant animals (such as cows and sheep) or is manufactured by hydrogenating vegetable oil to create a fat (such as margarine or shortening) that is solid at room temperature
The trans fats to watch for are the ones artificially produced and placed in prepackaged foods or commercially prepared deep-fried foods. These trans fats are introduced during cooking or during the manufacturing process to help extend a product's shelf life. They also help some foods taste more satisfying.—
Jennifer Moll
Jennifer Moll… if you are not minding your intake of another harmful fat called trans-fat, you might still be increasing your risk of heart disease. Indeed, whereas saturated fat raises the body's level of bad "LDL" cholesterol, trans-fat packs a double whammy by also reducing the good "HDL" cholesterol that protects against heart disease …—Anne Tergesen
compare saturated fat
Anne TergesenExamples of trans fat in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
This is because frying turns PUFA into trans fats and other harmful compounds (such as lipid oxidation products), which aren't good for your health.
—Merve Ceylan, Health, 14 Oct. 2024
Oils often get a bad rap because of their dense caloric value as some contain trans fats, which can increase the risk of heart disease.
—Clare Mulroy, USA TODAY, 3 Sep. 2024
Trans Fats For example, repeatedly heating canola oil, a common practice in cooking methods like deep-frying, can lead to the formation of harmful compounds, including trans fats, which have been shown to negatively affect overall health and increase heart disease risk.
—Jillian Kubala, Rd, Health, 10 July 2024
Meanwhile, international initiatives to reduce the intake of alcohol, trans fats, and salt should focus for the time being on existing programs and partnerships with suppliers and retailers designed to make their beverages and food healthier.
—Thomas J. Bollyky, Foreign Affairs, 1 May 2012
See all Example Sentences for trans fat 
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Merve Ceylan, Health, 14 Oct. 2024
Oils often get a bad rap because of their dense caloric value as some contain trans fats, which can increase the risk of heart disease.
—Clare Mulroy, USA TODAY, 3 Sep. 2024
Trans Fats For example, repeatedly heating canola oil, a common practice in cooking methods like deep-frying, can lead to the formation of harmful compounds, including trans fats, which have been shown to negatively affect overall health and increase heart disease risk.
—Jillian Kubala, Rd, Health, 10 July 2024
Meanwhile, international initiatives to reduce the intake of alcohol, trans fats, and salt should focus for the time being on existing programs and partnerships with suppliers and retailers designed to make their beverages and food healthier.
—Thomas J. Bollyky, Foreign Affairs, 1 May 2012
See all Example Sentences for trans fat
Dictionary Entries Near trans fat
Cite this Entry
“Trans fat.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/trans%20fat. Accessed 23 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
trans fat
noun
variants
or trans-fat
: an unsaturated fat that contains a trans-fatty acid molecule which has a trans arrangement of double bonds in its hydrocarbon chain and that either occurs naturally in the meat and milk of ruminant animals (such as cows or sheep) or is manufactured by hydrogenating vegetable oil to create a fat (such as margarine or shortening) that is solid at room temperature
Consumption of red meat and trans fats is associated with an increased risk of laparoscopically confirmed endometriosis …—Linda C. Guidice, The New England Journal of Medicine
Linda C. Guidice, The New England Journal of MedicineTrans fat is created when manufacturers partially hydrogenate liquid oils to make them more solid, more stable, and less greasy-tasting.—Nutrition Action Health Letter
compare saturated fat
Nutrition Action Health LetterLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share