Meanings
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1
noun
a small membrane-bound sac or cavity in a cell or organism, often containing fluid or another substance
Each secretory vesicle carries molecules from the cell to its outer membrane.
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2
noun
a small fluid-filled blister on the skin
The clinician examined a clear vesicle on the patient's finger.
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3
noun
a small cavity in volcanic rock formed by a trapped gas bubble
The basalt contained a vesicle left by gas escaping from the cooling lava.
Thesaurus
Etymology
From Middle French vesicule and Latin vesicula, 'small bladder,' the diminutive of vesica, 'bladder.' The image of a tiny bladder explains its anatomical, cellular, dermatological, and geological uses.