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REFERENCE

cell

n.
US //ˈsɛɫ// UK //sˈɛl// cell
  1. 1 biology (n.)
    A2 Elementary Science

    the smallest unit of a living thing that can live on its own.

    the basic structural, functional, and biological unit of all known organisms.

    Example

    The scientist looked at the plant cells through a powerful microscope.

    Example

    Stem cells are unique because they have the potential to develop into many different types of specialized cells in the body.
  2. 2 prison room (n.)
    A2 Elementary

    a small room in a prison or police station where a prisoner is kept.

    a small room used to confine a person in a prison, jail, or police station.

    Example

    The guard walked past each cell to check on the inmates.

    Example

    The prisoner spent twenty-three hours a day in a cramped cell, with only a small window providing a glimpse of the sky.
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  1. 3 spreadsheet box (n.)
    B1 Intermediate Computing

    a single box in a table or spreadsheet where you type information.

    the intersection of a row and a column in a spreadsheet or table.

    Example

    Type the total amount into cell B10 at the bottom of the page.

    Example

    The formula in the final cell automatically calculates the tax based on the data entered in the preceding rows.
  2. 4 battery (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Science

    a device that stores electricity, or one part of a larger battery.

    an individual unit for storing electrical energy, often combined with others to form a battery.

    Example

    The car uses a fuel cell to create power from hydrogen.

    Example

    The experimental vehicle is powered by a lithium-ion cell that offers significantly higher energy density than traditional lead-acid versions.
  3. 5 small group (n.)
    C1 Advanced Formal

    a small group of people that is part of a larger, often secret, organization.

    a small, discrete unit of a larger political or activist organization, often designed to operate independently for security.

    Example

    The activists worked in a small cell so that they didn't know the other members.

    Example

    Intelligence reports suggested that the sleeper cell had been inactive for several years before receiving the order to mobilize.
  4. 6 mobile phone (n.)
    A2 Elementary American English Informal

    a short way of saying 'cell phone' or mobile phone.

    a hand-held mobile radiotelephone; a common clipping of 'cellular phone'.

    Example

    I left my cell at home, so I couldn't call you back.

    Example

    He reached into his pocket for his cell, only to realize the battery had died during the long commute.
  5. 7 monastery room (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Religion

    a very small, simple room where a monk or nun lives.

    a small, sparsely furnished room in a religious house, such as a monastery or convent.

    Example

    The monk spent his morning praying in his quiet cell.

    Example

    The architecture of the monastery was designed so that each cell faced the central courtyard, encouraging both solitude and community.
Etymology 1

From Middle English celle, selle, from Old English cell (attested in inflected forms), from Latin cella (“chamber, small room, compartment”), later reinforced by Old French cel, sele, Old French cele. Ultimately from Proto-Italic kelnā, from Proto-Indo-European ḱelneh₂, from Proto-Indo-European *ḱel- (“to cover”). Doublet of cella and hall.

Etymology 2

Ellipsis of cell phone, itself a clipping of cellular phone, from cellular + phone.

Idioms2 entries

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