cell wall

noun

: the usually rigid nonliving permeable wall that surrounds the plasma membrane and encloses and supports the cells of most plants, bacteria, fungi, and algae see cell illustration

Examples of cell wall in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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Meanwhile, a judge also granted summary judgment to Tesla on allegations that the electric car’s battery cell walls were not thick enough to prevent catching fire in a crash and that a pack that held batteries did not include a fire retardant to stop a fire from spreading. Jim Saunders, Sun Sentinel, 24 Mar. 2025 Summary Pectin is a natural compound found in plant cell walls. Lana Barhum, Verywell Health, 24 Mar. 2025 What is weird about TB? The weirdest thing about TB is the cell wall that the bacteria builds. Dylan Scott, Vox, 19 Mar. 2025 Using optimal thermal energy, the laser explodes cell walls at the meristem, effectively killing the weed from the inside out. Kurt Knutsson, Cyberguy Report, Fox News, 12 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for cell wall

Word History

First Known Use

1840, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of cell wall was in 1840

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Cite this Entry

“Cell wall.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cell%20wall. Accessed 4 Apr. 2025.

Kids Definition

cell wall

noun
: the firm nonliving layer that encloses and supports the cells of most plants, bacteria, fungi, and algae

Medical Definition

cell wall

noun
: the usually rigid nonliving permeable wall that surrounds the plasma membrane and encloses and supports the cells of most plants, bacteria, fungi, and algae

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