vesicle

C2 Topic:Science & Research

US /ˈvɛsɪkəl/ UK /ˈvɛsɪkəl/ See IPA manual

Freq #195827

Meanings

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.
2

noun
a small fluid-filled blister on the skin

The clinician examined a clear vesicle on the patient's finger.
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

Synonyms

1 noun · a small membrane-bound sac... membranous sacsmall bladder

2 noun · a small fluid-filled... blister

3 noun · a small cavity in volcanic... gas cavity

Word family

Forms vesicles

Derived forms vesicularvesiculate

Related forms cystvacuolebladderorganelle

Appears in

Phrases (1)

See all

seminal vesicle
one of a pair of glands producing fluid that contributes to semen

Adjective + noun

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.

Topics

Science & Research

External links

# vesicle

**Type:** Word
**Level:** C2
**Part of speech:** noun
**IPA (US):** /ˈvɛsɪkəl/
**IPA (UK):** /ˈvɛsɪkəl/
**Frequency rank:** 195827

## Meanings
1. a small membrane-bound sac or cavity in a cell or organism, often containing fluid or another substance
2. a small fluid-filled blister on the skin
3. a small cavity in volcanic rock formed by a trapped gas bubble

## Examples
- Each secretory vesicle carries molecules from the cell to its outer membrane.
- The clinician examined a clear vesicle on the patient's finger.
- The basalt contained a vesicle left by gas escaping from the cooling lava.

## Synonyms
- membranous sac
- small bladder
- blister
- gas cavity

## Derived Forms
- vesicular
- vesiculate

## Related Forms
- cyst
- vacuole
- bladder
- organelle

## 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.

## Topics
- Science & Research

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