CELL Meaning and
Definition
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A cell is an elementary structural and functional unit of all living organisms, responsible for carrying out vital activities within an organism. It can be thought of as the building block of life and is classified as the smallest unit that can independently perform essential functions. Cells are microscopic in nature and can only be observed with the help of powerful instruments like a microscope.
Each cell consists of several components that together facilitate its functioning. The outermost part of a cell is the cell membrane, a semi-permeable barrier that encloses the cell and separates it from its surroundings. Inside the cell membrane, there is the cytoplasm, a jelly-like substance containing various cellular structures. These structures, known as organelles, play specific roles in the cell’s survival and function. Examples of organelles include the nucleus, mitochondria, endoplasmic reticulum, and Golgi apparatus.
Cells come in various types and can differ significantly depending on the organism they are a part of. For instance, animal cells and plant cells have some distinctive organelles and structures. While animal cells typically lack a cell wall and chloroplasts, plant cells possess both these features along with other plant-specific structures.
Cells are not only fundamental to the survival and functioning of individual organisms; they also form tissues, organs, and ultimately complex systems within multicellular organisms. The study of cells and their internal processes is a central aspect of biology known as cell biology. Understanding cell structure, function, and organization contributes to a deep understanding of life processes and lays the foundation for advancements in medicine and biotechnology.
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1. A minute structure, the living, active basis of all plant and animal organization, composed of a mass of protoplasm, enclosed in a delicate membrane and containing a differentiated part, the nucleus Cells are of the most varied form and structure according to the function which they have to perform; some are simple in structure and lead an independent or quasi-independent existence, being capable of reproduction and adaptation to environment; others are highly differentiated, fixed in form and location, and incapable of reproduction, self-nutrition, or locomotion. 2 A small closed or partly closed cavity such as the air cells, or alveoli, of the lungs, the spaces in cancellous bone-tissue, etc. 3. An element or unit of a galvanic battery, or the chamber containing the metals and acid media by the chemical action of which the electricity is produced. (For the cells not here defined see the qualifying word.).
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
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A small confined room; an apartment in a prison; a small cavity; a private room in a nunnery or monastery.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Top Common Misspellings for CELL *
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
Other Common Misspellings for CELL
Etymology of CELL
The word "cell" has multiple etymological origins. The most common meaning of "cell", referring to a small room or compartment, comes from the Latin word "cella", meaning "small room" or "chamber". This Latin term is also related to the Old English word "cell", meaning "monastic cell" or "room for a monk or nun".
Another meaning of "cell", referring to a small unit of living matter, particularly in organisms, comes from the Latin word "cellula", meaning "small room" or "cell". This Latin term is derived from "cella" as well.
The use of "cell" to describe basic units of structure in plants and animals was first proposed by the British scientist Robert Hooke in the 17th century.
Idioms with the word CELL
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killer T cell
The idiom "killer T cell" refers to a type of white blood cell called a cytotoxic T cell, which is a crucial component of the immune system. These cells are responsible for identifying and destroying infected, cancerous, or otherwise abnormal cells in the body. The term "killer T cell" is often used metaphorically to describe a person or thing that is exceptionally effective or potent in eliminating a threat or problem.
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de·cid·u·al cell
A decidual cell is an epithelial cell that forms the lining of the uterus during pregnancy and is shed after giving birth.
Similar spelling words for CELL
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- zill,
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- call,
- sell,
- fell,
- Sewel,
- Zelie,
- Salha,
- Zoila,
- Syl.
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