cell

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   the basic structural and functional unit of all organisms

   Cells can divide and multiply.

2. 2
   noun

   any small compartment

   the cells of a honeycomb

3. 3
   noun

   A single-room dwelling for a hermit.

   So, taking them apart into his cell, / He to that point fit speaches gan to frame […].

4. 4
   noun

   A small room in a monastery or nunnery accommodating one person.

   Gregor Mendel must have spent a good amount of time outside of his cell.

5. 5
   noun

   A room in a prison or jail for one or more inmates.

   The combatants spent the night in separate cells.

6. 6
   noun

   Any of various chambers in a tissue or organism having specific functions.

   Each of the two cells or lobes of the anther is marked with a lateral line or furrow, running from top to bottom[…].

7. 7
   noun

   Specifically, any of the supposed compartments of the brain, formerly thought to be the source of specific mental capacities, knowledge, or memories.

   How soft the music of those village bells / […] With easy force it opens all the cells / Where mem'ry slept.

8. 8
   noun

   Any small dwelling; a remote nook, a den.

   Thou seest but the order and policie of this little Cell [translating caveau] wherein thou art placed[…].

Etymology

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.