What term refers to fat, water, and waste under the skin?

The correct term that refers to fat, water, and waste under the skin is cellulite. Cellulite typically manifests as a dimpled, lumpy appearance on the skin, particularly in areas such as the thighs, buttocks, and abdomen. This condition occurs due to the accumulation of fat deposits beneath the skin, which can push against connective tissue, leading to the characteristic bumps and irregularities. Additionally, factors like water retention and waste products can contribute to the overall appearance of cellulite.

In contrast, edema refers specifically to swelling caused by excess fluid trapped in body tissues, which is not necessarily associated with fat or waste. Dermatitis is a term that describes skin inflammation, often resulting in redness, swelling, and irritation, rather than a description of fat or waste accumulation. Fibrosis involves the thickening and scarring of connective tissue, usually as a result of injury or inflammation, and does not pertain directly to fat or waste deposits under the skin. Thus, cellulite is the most accurate term in this context, as it encompasses the combination of fat, water, and waste affecting the skin's appearance.