cell

The word “cell” means the smallest basic unit of a living organism, capable of growing and reproducing itself. In plain terms, depending on context: the tiny building block of living things, a small prison room, a battery unit, or a small secretive group within a bigger organization.

“Cell” is pronounced sehl (/sɛl/ in IPA).

Here is “cell” used in a sentence: “The human body contains trillions of cells.”

Words with a similar meaning to “cell” include cyte.

“Cell” is a noun.

The word “cell” comes from Latin. From Latin cella, "small room or storage chamber" — the same root behind "cellar.".

“Cell” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.

“Cell” has 4 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: the smallest basic unit of a living organism, capable of growing and reproducing itself.

Both are living cells with a nucleus and a membrane, but plant cells have three features animal cells lack: a rigid cell wall for support, chloroplasts for turning sunlight into food, and a large central vacuole for storage. Animal cells are usually more flexible and varied in shape.

Most cells share a few key structures: an outer cell membrane that controls what enters and leaves, cytoplasm — the jelly-like fluid filling the cell — and, in complex cells, a nucleus that holds genetic material. Smaller structures called organelles carry out specific jobs such as producing energy.

The key difference is the nucleus. Eukaryotic cells — found in animals, plants, and fungi — keep their genetic material inside a membrane-bound nucleus. Prokaryotic cells, such as bacteria, have no nucleus; their DNA floats freely in the cytoplasm. Prokaryotes are also generally smaller and simpler.

Because every living thing is made of one or more cells, and nothing smaller can live on its own. A cell is the smallest unit that can grow, take in nutrients, and reproduce. Whether an organism is a single bacterium or a human of trillions of cells, cells are the foundation.