How Do You Spell MICELLA?

Pronunciation: [ma͡ɪsˈɛlə] (IPA)

The word "Micella" is often misspelled as "Micelle" due to the similarity in pronunciation. However, the correct spelling is "Micella" with a double "l". The IPA phonetic transcription for this word is /mɪˈsɛlə/, with emphasis on the first syllable. The word describes a particle composed of molecules that aggregate in water. It is commonly used in chemistry and biology to refer to small clusters of molecules with unique properties. It is important to use the correct spelling to avoid confusion and ensure clear communication.

MICELLA Meaning and Definition

1. Micella is a term used in chemistry and colloidal science to describe a particle or aggregate that forms as a result of the self-organization of molecules or ions in a solution. It refers to a small, typically spherical structure formed by the association of amphiphilic molecules, such as surfactants or lipids, in a liquid medium.

   In a micella, the amphiphilic molecules orient themselves in such a way that the hydrophilic (water-loving or polar) part is oriented towards the surrounding aqueous solution, while the hydrophobic (water-repelling or nonpolar) part is shielded and sequestered inside the core of the micella. This arrangement allows the micella to exist stably in a solution.

   Micellae are often formed in solutions where the concentration of the amphiphilic molecules exceeds a certain critical concentration, known as the critical micelle concentration (CMC). Above this threshold, the surfactant molecules arrange themselves spontaneously to minimize exposure of the hydrophobic regions to water, resulting in the formation of micellae.

   The presence of micellae impacts various aspects of colloidal systems, such as the stability, solubilization, and dispersion of hydrophobic substances in solvents. Micellae also play a crucial role in biological systems, such as the absorption and transport of dietary fats in the intestines.

   Overall, micellae represent a fundamental aspect of self-assembly and organization in solutions containing amphiphilic molecules, contributing to numerous natural and manufactured systems with significant implications in chemistry, biology, and materials science.

2. Nageli's term for one of the ultramicroscopic units of living matter formed of aggregations of molecules; tagma.

   A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.

Common Misspellings for MICELLA

• nmicella

Etymology of MICELLA

The word "micella" derives from the Latin term "micella" or "micella, -ae", which means "crumb" or "morsel". In turn, the Latin term originates from the Old Latin word "mica", meaning "crimped iron" or "grain of salt". It ultimately harks back to the Proto-Indo-European root "*mei-" or "*meik-", which conveys the notion of smallness or fragment.

Plural form of MICELLA is MICELLAE