DictionarycellSmall room
noun

cell

A small enclosed compartment within a larger structure.

The prisoner reads beside the narrow window of his cell.

Etymology

Latin cella named a small room or chamber. The word retains that enclosed-space image when applied to one compartment within a building, object, or other larger structure.

More examples

  • Enter the total in the bottom cell of the spreadsheet.
  • The honeycomb contains hundreds of small cells.
  • The monk returns to his quiet cell.

Forms

cell · cells

Similar words

compartment
Any distinct section within a larger structure.
chamber
An enclosed room or space, often larger than a cell.