cell

 
Pronunciation: /sɛl/

noun

  • 1a small room in which a prisoner is locked up or in which a monk or nun sleeps: the authorities locked all remaining inmates in their cells
  • historical a small monastery or nunnery dependent on a larger one.
  • 2 Biology the smallest structural and functional unit of an organism, which is typically microscopic and consists of cytoplasm and a nucleus enclosed in a membrane.
  • an enclosed cavity in an organism.
  • a small compartment in a larger structure such as a honeycomb.
  • 3a small group forming a nucleus of political activity, typically a secret, subversive one: terrorist cells
  • 4a device containing electrodes immersed in an electrolyte, used for generating current or for electrolysis.
  • a unit in a device for converting chemical or solar energy into electricity: a button cell for a quartz watch
  • 5the local area covered by one of the short-range transmitters in a cellular telephone system.
  • North American a mobile phone.

Derivatives

celled

adjective
[in combination]: a single-celled organism

cell-like

adjective

Origin:

Old English, from Old French celle or Latin cella 'storeroom or chamber'