cell
A cell is the basic structural and functional unit of all living organisms, often called the building block of life. It can also refer to a small room in a prison or monastery, or a device that converts chemical energy into electricity.
Examples
3 of 5The police officer led the suspect back to his holding cell for the night.
The police officer led the suspect back to his holding cell for the night.
Recent breakthroughs in stem cell research have provided hope for treating chronic diseases.
Recent breakthroughs in stem cell research have provided hope for treating chronic diseases.
I'll give you a call on my cell once I get out of the meeting.
I'll give you a call on my cell once I get out of the meeting.
Word Family
Memory Tip
Think of a 'cell' as a 'small shell'—it's a small, protective container that holds something important, like DNA or a prisoner.
Quick Quiz
The biologist examined the skin ______ under a powerful microscope to detect abnormalities.
Correct!
The correct answer is: cells
Examples
The police officer led the suspect back to his holding cell for the night.
everydayThe police officer led the suspect back to his holding cell for the night.
Recent breakthroughs in stem cell research have provided hope for treating chronic diseases.
formalRecent breakthroughs in stem cell research have provided hope for treating chronic diseases.
I'll give you a call on my cell once I get out of the meeting.
informalI'll give you a call on my cell once I get out of the meeting.
Under the microscope, the student observed the distinct parts of the plant cell.
academicUnder the microscope, the student observed the distinct parts of the plant cell.
The manufacturing plant uses a work cell layout to increase the efficiency of the assembly line.
businessThe manufacturing plant uses a work cell layout to increase the efficiency of the assembly line.
Word Family
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
cell phone
cell phone
stem cell
stem cell
fuel cell
fuel cell
Often Confused With
Sell is a verb meaning to exchange goods for money, while cell is a noun.
Sale is a noun referring to the act of selling, whereas cell refers to a biological unit or a small room.
Usage Notes
When used in biological or scientific contexts, it refers to the microscopic units of life. In common conversation in North America, 'cell' is the standard abbreviation for a mobile phone.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 'cell' with the verb 'sell' because they are homophones (sound the same). Always check the context to see if a noun or verb is needed.
Memory Tip
Think of a 'cell' as a 'small shell'—it's a small, protective container that holds something important, like DNA or a prisoner.
Word Origin
Derived from the Latin 'cella', meaning a small room, store-closet, or hut.
Grammar Patterns
Cultural Context
In American English, 'cell' is the most common way to refer to a mobile phone, whereas 'mobile' is preferred in British English.
Quick Quiz
The biologist examined the skin ______ under a powerful microscope to detect abnormalities.
Correct!
The correct answer is: cells
Related Grammar Rules
Related Phrases
Related Vocabulary
Related Words
proceed
C1The noun form, typically used in the plural 'proceeds,' refers to the total amount of money received from a particular event, sale, or activity. It is a formal term used in academic, legal, and business contexts to describe the result of a financial transaction or fundraising effort.
individual
C1Relating to a single person or thing as distinct from a group. It describes something that is intended for, or used by, one person rather than a collective entity.
appropriately
B2To perform an action in a manner that is suitable, right, or proper for a particular situation, person, or occasion. It implies following specific social norms, professional standards, or logical requirements.
region
B2A region is an area of land that has common features, such as geography, climate, or culture, which distinguish it from other areas. It can refer to a large part of a country or the world and is often used in administrative or scientific contexts to organize space.
resource
B2A stock or supply of money, materials, staff, and other assets that can be drawn on by a person or organization in order to function effectively. In academic and informational contexts, it refers to a source of information or expertise used to support research or learning.
to
A1Used to indicate the place, person, or thing that someone or something moves toward. It can also mark the recipient of an action or the limit of a range.
and
A1A primary conjunction used to connect words, phrases, or clauses that are grammatically equal. It indicates addition, a sequence of events, or a relationship between two things.
a
A1A word used before a singular noun that is not specific or is being mentioned for the first time. It is used only before words that begin with a consonant sound to indicate one of something.
that
A1This word is a demonstrative pronoun used to indicate a specific person, object, or idea that is further away in space or time from the speaker. It is also used to refer back to something that has already been mentioned or to introduce a clause that identifies something.
I
A1The pronoun 'I' is used by a speaker or writer to refer to themselves as the subject of a verb. It is the first-person singular subject pronoun in English and is always capitalized regardless of its position in a sentence.
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