Cell
Definitions and Meaning in English
- The basic structural and functional unit of all living organisms.
- A small room or compartment, typically in a prison or monastery.
- A unit in a grid or table used for organizing data or information.
- A small group of individuals working together for a particular purpose, often in secret or for a specific cause.
- A small, isolated group of cells in a biological context, such as a cell culture or a group of cells in a tissue.
History and Origin
The word “cell” comes from the Latin cella, meaning “small room” or “chamber.” In biological contexts, it was first used in the 17th century after the discovery of microscopic life forms. Over time, the term expanded to refer to the fundamental unit of life and was used in various other contexts, including imprisonment and organizational structures.
Detailed Explanation
“Cell” is a multifaceted word used in both biological and metaphorical senses. In biology, a cell is the smallest unit of life, which can function independently or as part of a larger organism. All living organisms, from plants to animals, are made up of cells. In other contexts, “cell” refers to a small, confined space or room, such as a prison cell or a monk’s living quarters. The word can also describe a basic unit in a larger system, such as a spreadsheet cell or a secret organization.
Example Sentences
- The human body is made up of trillions of cells that work together to sustain life.
- The prisoner was locked in a small, dark cell for 23 hours a day.
- He was studying the effects of the drug on cancer cells in the laboratory.
- The spreadsheet contains several cells where data can be entered.
- The activist group was operating as a small, underground cell.
- The cell membrane controls the entry and exit of substances in and out of the cell.
- The scientist observed the division of cells under the microscope.
- She felt trapped in her cell of loneliness and isolation.
- A prison cell is designed to keep inmates confined and under control.
Synonyms with Short Explanation
- Unit – A single, individual part of a larger whole.
- Chamber – A room or enclosed space, often used in a specific context.
- Room – A separate enclosed space, like a cell in a building.
- Compartment – A small, enclosed section, often in a larger structure.
- Pod – A small, contained structure, similar to a cell in function.
Related Words with Short Explanation
- Organism – A living entity made up of cells, from single-celled organisms to complex multicellular beings.
- Nucleus – The central part of a cell that contains genetic material.
- Tissue – A group of cells that work together to perform a specific function.
- Cellular – Pertaining to or relating to cells.
- Cellular division – The process by which a cell divides into two or more cells.
More Matches with Short Explanation
- Prison – A facility where individuals are confined, often involving cells.
- Laboratory – A place where scientific work is done, often involving the study of cells.
- Microscope – A tool used to observe cells and other small structures.
- Genome – The complete set of genes within a cell.
- Stem cell – A unique type of cell that can differentiate into various specialized cells.
Antonyms
- Whole
- Open space
- Free
- Community
- Collective