NYT Dictionary
CELLULITE
/ˈsɛl.jə.laɪt/NounCEL-lu-litecel-lu-lite · 3 syllablesGrade 9
Accepted in official NYT Spelling Bee puzzle years: 2025
Meaning
Skin dimpling caused by the herniation (protrusion) of subcutaneous adipose tissue (fat within connective tissue), especially on the pelvic area of women.
Etymology
Origin: French
Borrowed from French cellulite. By surface analysis, cellule + -ite. Doublet of cellulitis. First attested in the 1960s.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
adiposis edematosadermopanniculosis deformansstatus protrusus cutisgynoid lipodystrophyorange peel syndrome
NYT Puzzle Appearances
Accepted in 1 recorded puzzle: