: a membranous area bounded by veins in the wing of an insect
4
: a small usually microscopic mass of protoplasm bounded externally by a semipermeable membrane, usually including one or more nuclei and various other organelles with their products, capable alone or interacting with other cells of performing all the fundamental functions of life, and forming the smallest structural unit of living matter capable of functioning independently
5
a(1)
: a receptacle containing electrodes and an electrolyte either for generating electricity by chemical action or for use in electrolysis
: a single unit in a device for converting radiant energy into electrical energy or for varying the intensity of an electrical current in accordance with radiation (see radiationsense 1)
6
: a unit in a statistical array (see arrayentry 2 sense 5) (such as a spreadsheet) formed by the intersection of a column and a row
7
: a basic and usually small unit of an organization or movement
terrorist cells
8
: a portion of the atmosphere that behaves as a unit
a storm cell
9
a
: any of the small sections of a geographic area of a cellular (see cellularentry 1 sense 3) telephone system
The suspect was in the police station's holding cell overnight.
his mission was to locate and infiltrate the terrorist cell that was believed to be hiding in the city
Recent Examples on the WebMacías explained that prisoners didn’t leave their cells even for meals.—Jon Lee Anderson, The New Yorker, 17 June 2024 In my case, finding the closest cell tower was relatively simple.—PCMAG, 14 June 2024 Advertisement After deputies arrived at the men’s cell, Jackson allegedly tried to stab a 45-year-old deputy and knocked him to the floor, the Sheriff’s Department said.—Summer Lin, Los Angeles Times, 14 June 2024 Chemical exfoliators contain active ingredients that dissolve dead skin cells without the need for manual scrubbing.—Kiana Murden, Vogue, 14 June 2024 See all Example Sentences for cell
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'cell.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
Etymology
Middle English, from Old English, religious house and Anglo-French celle hermit's cell, from Latin cella small room; akin to Latin celare to conceal — more at hell
First Known Use
before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1
Time Traveler
The first known use of cell was
before the 12th century
: a very small room (as in a convent or prison) usually for one person
2
: a small compartment, cavity, or bounded space
the cells in a honeycomb often contain honey
3
: one of the tiny units that are the basic building blocks of living things, that carry on the basic functions of life either alone or in groups, and that include a nucleus and are surrounded by a membrane
4
a
: a container (as a jar) with electrodes and an electrolyte either for generating electricity by chemical action or for use in electrolysis
b
: a single unit in a device for changing radiant energy into electrical energy
: a small usually microscopic mass of protoplasm bounded externally by a semipermeable membrane, usually including one or more nuclei and various nonliving products, capable alone or interacting with other cells of performing all the fundamental functions of life, and forming the smallest structural unit of living matter capable of functioning independently
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