Cells: meaning, definitions and examples

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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