extracellular
adj. C1 Advanced US //ˌɛkstɹəˈsɛɫjəɫɝ// UK //ˌɛkstɹəsˈɛljʊlɐ// ex·tra·cel·lu·lar
adj. located or happening outside of a cell. It describes things in the space between cells in a living body.
adj. situated or occurring outside a cell or the cells of an organism. Often describes fluids, matrices, or signals that exist in the space surrounding cellular structures.
The body uses extracellular fluid to transport nutrients.
Researchers are studying how extracellular proteins help cells communicate with each other in healthy tissue.
The extracellular matrix provides essential structural support to surrounding cells, while also regulating various cellular functions through complex biochemical signaling pathways.
From extra- + cellular.
Usage
Typically used in technical or scientific contexts; often precedes the noun it modifies.