the smallest structural and functional unit of an organism, typically microscopic and consisting of cytoplasm and a nucleus enclosed in a membrane, a small room in which a prisoner is locked up or in which a monk or nun sleeps, a device containing electrodes immersed in an electrolyte, used for generating current or for electrolysis

in the same cell, jail cell, lock someone up in a cell

stem cell, prison cell, fuel cell

Formal and Informal Expressions of cell

In different contexts, you can replace 'cell' with suitable alternatives. In a more formal setting, 'compartment, chamber' is apt. In informal speech or writing, 'room, box' is a commonplace synonym.

cell: Explore its Definition & Usage

cell Definition

1the smallest structural and functional unit of an organism, typically microscopic and consisting of cytoplasm and a nucleus enclosed in a membrane
2a small room in which a prisoner is locked up or in which a monk or nun sleeps
3a device containing electrodes immersed in an electrolyte, used for generating current or for electrolysis

Using cell: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "cell" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

Example
The human body is made up of trillions of cells.
Example
He was thrown into a jail cell for the night.
Example
The battery has six cells connected in series.

cell Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for cell

Idioms Using cell

in the same cell
having a close relationship or connection with someone
Example
They grew up in the same neighborhood and went to school together, so they're practically in the same cell.
jail cell
a small room in which a prisoner is kept
Example
He was thrown into a jail cell for the night after being arrested for drunk driving.
lock someone up in a cell
to imprison someone
Example
The dictator locked up his political opponents in cells to silence them.

Phrases with cell

stem cell
an undifferentiated cell of a multicellular organism that is capable of giving rise to indefinitely more cells of the same type, and from which certain other kinds of cell arise by differentiation
Example
Stem cells have the potential to develop into many different types of cells in the body.
prison cell
a small room in which a prisoner is kept
Example
He spent three years in a prison cell for his crime.
fuel cell
an electrochemical cell that converts the chemical energy of a fuel, such as hydrogen, and an oxidizing agent, such as oxygen, directly into electricity
Example
Fuel cells are a promising technology for clean energy production.

Origins of cell

from Old English 'cell', meaning 'small room'

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Summary: cell in Brief

The term 'cell' [sel] refers to the smallest unit of an organism, a small room for prisoners or monks, or a device for generating current. Examples include 'The human body is made up of trillions of cells,' 'He was thrown into a jail cell for the night,' and 'The battery has six cells connected in series.' Phrases like 'stem cell' and idioms like 'in the same cell' extend the meaning of 'cell' to specific contexts.