noun
cell
SEL/sel/
The smallest structural and functional unit of a living organism.
The diagram shows a cell with its membrane and nucleus.
Etymology
The image of a small room was extended to compartments and cavities in biological structures, including wood. This use gradually narrowed to the basic structural unit of living organisms.
In context
the term cell as it is applied to living organism tissues tissues being made of cells cell was applied to these structures because of someone looking at plant cells under the microscope
More examples
- Cells divide as the tissue grows.
- A single cell can perform many complex functions.
- The microscope revealed damaged cells near the edge.
Forms
cell · cells
cellular adjective — Relating to living cells.