Vesicles: meaning, definitions and examples

Commonly used in biological and medical contexts to describe small, membrane-bound sacs within cells.

• The scientist observed the transport vesicles under the microscope.
• Vesicles play a crucial role in transporting materials within the cell.

Broadly used in medical, biological, and everyday contexts to describe a bag-like structure. It can refer to natural or abnormal cavities within the body.

• The doctor drained fluid from the sac around the heart.
• A spore sac contains fungal spores.

Typically refers to the organ in the body that stores urine. It can also refer to similar structures in some plants or animals.

• She had to undergo surgery to remove a stone from her bladder.
• Fish use their swim bladder to control buoyancy.

Describes a small bag or a pocket-like structure, both in everyday usage and in animal anatomy.

• She carried her coins in a small leather pouch.
• Kangaroos carry their young in a pouch.

Commonly used in everyday language to describe a small bubble on the skin filled with fluid caused by friction, burns, or other damage. It can also be used more generally to describe similar occurrences on objects.

• I got a blister on my heel from wearing new shoes.
• After touching the hot pan, he developed blisters on his fingers.

Specifically refers to a small, inflamed, pus-filled blister on the skin, often indicative of infection or certain dermatological conditions. It has a negative connotation.

• The dermatologist treated the acne pustules on the patient's face.
• Chickenpox can cause pustules to form all over the body.

A general term used in medical, biological, and anatomical contexts to describe a pouch or cavity in an organism that can hold fluid, air, or other substances.

• The amniotic sac surrounds and protects the fetus during pregnancy.
• During surgery, the doctors discovered a fluid-filled sac attached to the liver.

Used in scientific contexts, especially in biology and chemistry, to describe small sac-like structures within cells, or geological settings to describe small cavities in volcanic rocks.

• The cell contains several vesicles that help transport proteins and lipids.
• Basalt rock often contains vesicles formed by volcanic gases.

Used in specialized scientific contexts, particularly in geology and materials science, to describe small openings or voids in structures where gas has been trapped and then released.

• The porosity of the rock was increased by the presence of many gas pores.
• During the formation of the material, gas pores were left behind as the gas escaped.

A fundamental term in biology for the smallest unit of life. It can also refer to a small, enclosed space like a prison cell, or to a small group within a larger organization.

• Every cell in the human body plays a crucial role.
• He was locked in a prison cell for the night.
• The terrorist cell was discovered and dismantled by the authorities.