Cell
/sɛl/
Definitions
3 meaningsThe smallest structural and functional unit of an organism, typically microscopic and consisting of cytoplasm and a nucleus enclosed in a membrane.
/sɛl/
A basic unit of living matter
Plant cells have chloroplasts.
💡 Simply: Imagine a tiny apartment, so small you can only see it with a super-powerful magnifying glass! That's a cell – the basic building block of all living things, like plants and animals.
👶 For kids: It's like a tiny LEGO brick that makes up everything alive!
More Examples
Blood cells carry oxygen.
How It's Used
"The scientist studied the cell's structure under the microscope."
"The doctor explained the effects of radiation on the cancer cells."
A small room, especially one in a prison or monastery.
/sɛl/
A small compartment or room
The monk lived a solitary life in his cell.
💡 Simply: A tiny room, like a super small bedroom. Monks used to live in cells, and so do prisoners, unfortunately!
👶 For kids: A tiny room, like a bedroom for a toy.
More Examples
The prisoner was kept in a solitary confinement cell.
How It's Used
"The monastery had many small cells for the monks to live in."
"The prisoner was confined to his cell."
A single unit in a battery or similar structure.
/sɛl/
A unit in a larger structure
Solar panels are composed of many photovoltaic cells.
💡 Simply: Like a little battery within a bigger battery, or a little box inside a bigger box!
👶 For kids: A tiny part of something bigger.
How It's Used
"The battery is made up of many individual cells."
From Middle English *celle, from Old French *cele, from Latin *cella "small room, compartment," diminutive of *cela "room, chamber."
The word 'cell' has been used to describe small rooms since the Middle Ages, its biological meaning emerging much later.
Memory tip
Think of a 'cell' as a tiny room, like a prison cell, containing all the necessary components for life.
Word Origin
"small room"