Cell Meaning
Cell Definition & Usage
The basic structural, functional, and biological unit of all living organisms. A cell is the smallest unit of life and can exist as a single-celled organism or as a part of a multicellular organism.
Examples
- "Humans are made up of trillions of cells, each performing a specific function."
- "The process of mitosis involves the division of a single cell into two identical daughter cells."
- "A red blood cell is responsible for carrying oxygen throughout the body."
- "Scientists are studying how cancer cells grow uncontrollably."
- "Each plant is composed of cells that perform different tasks, such as photosynthesis and water transport."
A small room in which prisoners are kept, often used in the context of solitary confinement.
Examples
- "The inmate was locked in a small cell for the night."
- "After the incident, he was placed in a high-security cell."
- "The conditions in the prison cell were harsh and uncomfortable."
- "She spent several days in a solitary cell as punishment."
- "The prison guards checked each cell at regular intervals."
A small compartment or unit within a larger system, such as a battery or a grid system.
Examples
- "Each cell in the battery is responsible for storing energy."
- "Solar panels convert sunlight into electricity, with each cell contributing to the overall power output."
- "The network was divided into smaller cells to improve coverage and efficiency."
- "Scientists are working on better cell designs for more efficient energy storage."
- "The data was organized into several cells in the spreadsheet for easier analysis."
A small, often self-contained group or unit within a larger organization or system.
Examples
- "The activist group was organized into several cells to avoid detection by the authorities."
- "The underground organization worked in secretive cells to coordinate their actions."
- "Each cell in the company focuses on a specific aspect of the business, from marketing to operations."
- "The terrorist cell was responsible for planning the attack."
- "Cells of volunteers are working to provide aid to the refugees."
Cultural Context
The word 'cell' comes from the Latin 'cella', meaning 'small room' or 'storeroom'. It was first used in the biological sense by early scientists to describe the basic unit of life. Over time, the term expanded to other contexts, including prisons, technology, and even social movements.
The Cell Within
Story
The Cell Within
Eliza sat at the small wooden table in her cramped apartment, staring at the blueprint spread before her. She had been working for weeks on the design for a new energy-efficient home, one that utilized solar cells to power the entire house. Her vision was to create something that worked not just for her, but for the environment. Each solar cell would be small, yet together they could generate enough energy to run a whole household. She had spent days learning about how these cells worked, how each individual unit could contribute to the larger system. It was her way of harnessing the power of nature, one small piece at a time. Meanwhile, across town, a group of activists had gathered in a secret basement. They referred to their meeting groups as 'cells', small units within a larger movement to bring about social change. Each member of the cell had a distinct role, and the group had been careful not to reveal too much to the outside world. Their mission was clear: they would fight for environmental causes, just like Eliza, but from a different angle. As the days passed, both Eliza and the activists worked tirelessly, unaware of the others' efforts. Eliza’s solar panels began to take shape, and the system was soon operational. She marveled at how each tiny cell worked together, converting sunlight into power. It wasn’t just technology; it was a reflection of her philosophy. Every cell in the system played a crucial part in the success of the whole. The activists, on the other hand, planned their next move. They worked in the shadows, knowing that their efforts, though small, would eventually lead to a bigger change. They were cells in a larger movement, and their strength lay in their ability to remain unseen while pushing forward their agenda. In the end, both Eliza and the activists succeeded in their goals. The energy-efficient house became a model for future homes, and the activist cell grew into a nationwide movement, all because each small action added up to something greater. It was the power of the cell—whether in technology or in social change—that made the difference.
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