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
Many versions still contain trans fats, which are chemically engineered to extend shelf life, but do real damage to your body.
—Dr. Sanjay Bhojraj, CNBC, 10 Oct. 2025
Health Effects of Processing Some deodorized oils contain small amounts of trans fats, and frying or cooking with seed oils can raise levels.
—Mark Gurarie, Health, 30 Sep. 2025
Past reforms — from eliminating trans fats to adding more fresh produce — once seemed impossible too.
—Chicago Tribune, Twin Cities, 21 Aug. 2025
Past reforms — from eliminating trans fats to adding more fresh produce — once seemed impossible too.
—Orlando Sentinel, The Orlando Sentinel, 19 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for trans fat
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Dr. Sanjay Bhojraj, CNBC, 10 Oct. 2025
Health Effects of Processing Some deodorized oils contain small amounts of trans fats, and frying or cooking with seed oils can raise levels.
—Mark Gurarie, Health, 30 Sep. 2025
Past reforms — from eliminating trans fats to adding more fresh produce — once seemed impossible too.
—Chicago Tribune, Twin Cities, 21 Aug. 2025
Past reforms — from eliminating trans fats to adding more fresh produce — once seemed impossible too.
—Orlando Sentinel, The Orlando Sentinel, 19 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for trans fat
Cite this Entry
“Trans fat.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/trans%20fat. Accessed 30 Oct. 2025.
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?
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