contractile vacuole

noun

: a vacuole in a unicellular organism that contracts regularly to discharge fluid and especially water from the cell

Word History

First Known Use

1876, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of contractile vacuole was in 1876

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Cite this Entry

Style

“Contractile vacuole.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/contractile%20vacuole. Accessed 30 Nov. 2024.

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Kids Definition

contractile vacuole

noun

: a vacuole in a single-celled organism that contracts regularly to discharge water from the cell

Medical Definition

contractile vacuole

noun

: a vacuole in a unicellular organism that contracts regularly to discharge fluid from the body

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contractile vacuole

noun

Word History

Dictionary Entries Near contractile vacuole

Cite this Entry

Kids Definition

Medical Definition