Finesentence mobile logo
Sign in Login / Register

Cells Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

🔬
Add to dictionary

cells

[sɛlz ]

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.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
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.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
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.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
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.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

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.

Origin of 'cells'

Main points about word origin

  • 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.

The word 'cell' comes from the Latin word 'cella', meaning 'small room'. The biological sense of 'cell' was first observed by Robert Hooke in 1665 when he examined cork under a microscope. The term was later adopted to describe the basic unit of life. In the context of prisons, 'cell' has been used to refer to small rooms for confinement since the 18th century. The modern usage of 'cell' in the context of mobile phones emerged in the late 20th century with the development of cellular technology.

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

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.