guard cell

noun

: one of the two crescent-shaped epidermal cells that border and open and close a plant stoma

Word History

First Known Use

1875, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of guard cell was in 1875

Dictionary Entries Near guard cell

Cite this Entry

“Guard cell.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/guard%20cell. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

guard cell

noun
: one of two crescent-shaped cells that form the margin of a stoma in the epidermis of a leaf and serve to open and close it

More from Merriam-Webster on guard cell

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!