Cells: meaning, definitions and examples

๐Ÿ”ฌ
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cells

 

[sษ›lz ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

biology

The smallest structural unit of an organism that is capable of independent functioning, consisting of cytoplasm, a nucleus, and other organelles enclosed in a membrane.

Synonyms

building block of life, cellular unit.

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Word Description / Examples
cells

Used in scientific contexts to refer to the smallest structural and functional units of an organism.

  • Human cells divide through a process called mitosis.
  • Stem cells have the ability to develop into different cell types.
cellular unit

Used in a more formal or technical context to specify a single cell considered as a functional unit.

  • Each cellular unit functions autonomously but contributes to the overall operation of an organism.
  • Researchers examined the cellular units to understand how tissues repair themselves.
building block of life

Used in educational or explanatory contexts to emphasize the fundamental importance of cells in biology.

  • Cells are considered the building blocks of life because they are the smallest units that can carry out all life processes.
  • Understanding the building blocks of life is essential for studying human biology.

Examples of usage

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

prison

A small room in which a prisoner is locked up or in which a monk or nun sleeps.

Synonyms

chamber, lockup.

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Word Description / Examples
cells

Utilized in scientific contexts, especially in biology and technology, to describe fundamental units such as biological cells or battery cells.

  • Stem cells have the potential to develop into different types of cells.
  • The battery is composed of several interconnected cells.
chamber

Used to describe an enclosed space or room, often with a specific purpose, such as a legislative chamber or a chamber in a castle.

  • The council meeting took place in the grand chamber.
  • He was taken to the chamber for questioning.
lockup

Commonly refers to a temporary holding facility for individuals who have been arrested, often used informally and with a slightly negative connotation.

  • He spent the night in the lockup after being arrested for disorderly conduct.
  • The suspect was held in the local lockup until his court appearance.

Examples of usage

  • The prisoner spent the night in a cold, dark cell.
  • The monk's cell was sparsely furnished.
Context #3 | Noun

phone

A small individual compartment for a specified activity, typically in a honeycomb arrangement.

Synonyms

booth, compartment.

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Word Description / Examples
cells

Refers to small rooms in prisons, small functional units in living organisms, or small groups within a larger organization.

  • The prisoners were locked in their cells for the night
  • The human body is made up of trillions of cells
  • The terrorist group had several sleeper cells in different cities
compartment

Refers to divided sections of a larger space, such as a train car, a desk drawer, or a piece of luggage.

  • We stored our luggage in the upper compartment of the train
  • The desk had a special compartment for important documents
  • She organized her suitcase, putting her shoes in a separate compartment
booth

Used for small, enclosed spaces where you can do an activity in private, such as voting, eating, or taking photos.

  • We sat in a cozy booth at the diner
  • She entered the photo booth to take some fun pictures
  • The voting booth ensured privacy for each voter

Examples of usage

  • Each employee has their own cell for privacy during phone calls.
  • The office has cubicles with soundproof cells for meetings.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word 'cell' comes from the Latin word 'cella,' meaning a small room or chamber.
  • The term was first used in biology by Robert Hooke in the 17th century when he observed cork and described its 'cells' as tiny boxes.

Biology

  • All living organisms, from the smallest bacteria to the largest whales, are made up of one or more cells.
  • Human bodies have approximately 37.2 trillion cells, showcasing their complexity and diversity.

Science

  • Cells come in various types, including red blood cells, nerve cells, and muscle cells, each with unique shapes and functions.
  • Stem cells are special because they can develop into different types of cells and aid in repairing tissues in the body.

Health

  • Cancer involves the uncontrolled growth of cells, highlighting the importance of regulating cell division.
  • Vaccines work by training our immune cells to recognize and attack pathogens, keeping us healthy.

Technology

  • In technology, battery cells are used to store energy and power devices like smartphones and laptops.
  • Cellular networks allow mobile phones to communicate wirelessly by connecting them to a series of base station cells.

Translations

Translations of the word "cells" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น cรฉlulas

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เค•เฅ‹เคถเคฟเค•เคพเคเค

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Zellen

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ sel-sel

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะบะปั–ั‚ะธะฝะธ

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ komรณrki

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ็ดฐ่ƒž

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท cellules

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ cรฉlulas

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท hรผcreler

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ์„ธํฌ๋“ค

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ุฎู„ุงูŠุง

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ buลˆky

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ bunky

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ็ป†่ƒž

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ celice

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ frumur

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ะถะฐััƒัˆะฐะปะฐั€

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒฃแƒฏแƒ แƒ”แƒ“แƒ”แƒ‘แƒ˜

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ hรผceyrษ™lษ™r

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ cรฉlulas

Word Frequency Rank

At #638 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.