Cell: meaning, definitions and examples

๐Ÿ”ฌ
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cell

 

[ sel ]

Noun / Verb
Oxford 3000
Context #1 | Noun

biology

The smallest structural and functional unit of an organism, typically microscopic and consisting of cytoplasm and a nucleus enclosed in a membrane.

Synonyms

building block, element, unit.

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Word Description / Examples
cell

Commonly used in biology to refer to the smallest structural and functional unit of an organism. It can also be used in the context of prisons or small rooms.

  • The scientist observed the cells under a microscope.
  • He spent a night in a jail cell.
unit

Often used to describe a single, complete entity that is part of a larger whole. It is common in mathematics, measurements, and organizational contexts.

  • A centimeter is a unit of length.
  • Each unit in the apartment complex has its own balcony.
building block

Often used metaphorically to describe fundamental components that make up a larger system or structure.

  • Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins.
  • Trust is a building block of a strong relationship.
element

Used in chemistry to refer to a pure substance made of only one type of atom. It can also be used to refer to a fundamental part of something.

  • Hydrogen is the most abundant element in the universe.
  • Love is an essential element of happiness.

Examples of usage

  • The human body is made up of trillions of cells.
  • Each cell has specific functions within the body.
Context #2 | Noun

technology

A small compartment or room in a prison or other institution.

Synonyms

chamber, compartment, room.

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Word Description / Examples
cell

This 'cell' can also be used in technology, referring specifically to a small unit of electricity production or storage, like in batteries, or in telecommunications, where it denotes a geographical area covered by a cellular network.

  • Each battery cell needs to be carefully tested.
  • The call dropped as I drove out of the cell's coverage area.
compartment

Applicable in scenarios involving divided or separated sections within a larger object, and often used in transportation (train compartments) or storage contexts.

  • He placed his suitcase in the overhead compartment.
  • Each compartment of the desk drawer was filled with documents.
chamber

Commonly used to describe a large room, often with a specific function, such as in historical buildings, politics, or legal settings. It can evoke a sense of formality or importance.

  • The queen addressed the court from the grand chamber.
  • The courtroom chamber was filled with spectators.
room

The most general term, simply describing an enclosed space within a building, meant for various uses such as living, working, or sleeping.

  • We gathered in the living room to celebrate.
  • He booked a room at the hotel for the night.

Examples of usage

  • He spent the night in a cold, damp cell.
  • The prisoner was moved to a solitary confinement cell.
Context #3 | Noun

mathematics

A small unit of data storage on a computer.

Synonyms

block, compartment, unit.

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Word Description / Examples
cell

In the context of electrical devices, it refers to a single unit that generates electricity or a small group within a larger organization for specific tasks.

  • The cell battery needs replacement
  • The secretive operative worked within a covert cell
unit

Frequently used to refer to an individual part of a larger system, often in the context of education, military, and measurement.

  • She completed the first unit of her math course
  • The soldiers were part of an elite military unit
compartment

Describes a separate section in a container or space designated for specific items.

  • He stored his keys in the glove compartment
  • The suitcase has several compartments for easy organization
block

Commonly used to refer to a large solid piece of material with flat surfaces or a section of buildings between streets.

  • He used a block of wood for the project
  • Their house is just a block away from the school

Examples of usage

  • The file is stored in a separate cell.
  • Each cell contains specific information.
Context #4 | Verb

prison

To confine in a cell.

Synonyms

confine, detain, incarcerate.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
cell

A small room in a prison where a prisoner is kept. It can also refer to a small, individual unit in a larger structure, such as a biological cell or a cell in an Excel spreadsheet.

  • The prisoner was locked in his cell for the night.
  • The scientist examined the cell under the microscope.
  • I entered the data into the correct cell in the spreadsheet.
confine

To keep or restrict someone or something within certain limits or boundaries, often implying a restriction of freedom.

  • The patient was confined to bed for a week after surgery.
  • The soldiers confined the enemy troops to a small area.
incarcerate

To confine someone in a prison. This word is a formal and often legal term that implies a prolonged period of imprisonment, carrying a strong negative connotation.

  • The judge decided to incarcerate the criminal for ten years.
  • Many activists fight against unjust laws that unfairly incarcerate people.
detain

To hold someone back or delay them, often used in a legal or official context such as police work. This word implies temporary holding and may carry a negative connotation.

  • The police detained the suspect for questioning.
  • Travelers were detained at the airport due to security checks.

Examples of usage

  • The authorities decided to cell the suspect for further questioning.
  • He was celled for his involvement in the crime.

Translations

Translations of the word "cell" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น cรฉlula

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เค•เฅ‹เคถเคฟเค•เคพ

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Zelle

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ sel

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะบะปั–ั‚ะธะฝะฐ

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ komรณrka

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ็ดฐ่ƒž (ใ•ใ„ใผใ†)

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท cellule

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ cรฉlula

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท hรผcre

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ์„ธํฌ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ุฎู„ูŠุฉ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ buลˆka

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ bunka

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ็ป†่ƒž (xรฌbฤo)

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ celica

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ fruma

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ะถะฐััƒัˆะฐ

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒฃแƒฏแƒ แƒ”แƒ“แƒ˜ (ujredi)

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ hรผceyrษ™

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ cรฉlula

Etymology

The word 'cell' originated from the Latin word 'cella' meaning 'small room'. It was first used in English in the late 14th century to refer to small rooms or compartments. The biological meaning of 'cell' was introduced in the 17th century by Robert Hooke, who observed plant cells under a microscope. Since then, the term has been widely used in various fields such as biology, technology, and mathematics.

See also: cellar, cellphone, cells, cellular, cellularly.

Word Frequency Rank

At #785 in the frequency ranking, this word is highly important for effective communication. It's commonly used in daily situations and should be prioritized in your vocabulary building.