vesicle

noun

ves·​i·​cle ˈve-si-kəl 

1

a

: a membranous and usually fluid-filled pouch (such as a cyst, vacuole, or cell) in a plant or animal

b

: a small abnormal elevation of the outer layer of skin enclosing a watery liquid : blister

c

: a pocket of embryonic tissue that is the beginning of an organ

2

: a small cavity in a mineral or rock

Examples of vesicle in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

And many emit tiny bubbles known as vesicles that contain DNA, RNA or other chemicals, like messages in a bottle for whatever cell happens to intercept them. —Veronique Greenwood, Quanta Magazine, 6 Jan. 2025

In simple-ish terms, exosomes are microscopic vesicles that facilitate cell-to-cell communication and can transport molecules like RNAs, proteins and lipids. —Emily Burns, WWD, 23 Dec. 2024

Like miniature pockets of life, vesicles resemble the structure and function of modern cells. —Discover Magazine, 17 Oct. 2024

Without these proteins, vesicle protocells would have limited ability to interact effectively with their surroundings, constraining their potential for life. —Discover Magazine, 17 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle French vesicule, from Latin vesicula small bladder, blister, from diminutive of vesica

First Known Use

1578, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing vesicle

• blastodermic vesicle
• germinal vesicle
• optic vesicle
• seminal vesicle

Kids Definition

vesicle

noun

ves·​i·​cle ˈves-i-kəl 

: a small cavity, cyst, or blister usually filled with fluid

Medical Definition

vesicle

noun

ves·​i·​cle ˈves-i-kəl 

1

a

: a membranous and usually fluid-filled pouch (as a cyst, vacuole, or cell) in a plant or animal

b

: synaptic vesicle

2

: a small abnormal elevation of the outer layer of skin enclosing a watery liquid : blister

3

: a pocket of embryonic tissue that is the beginning of an organ see brain vesicle, optic vesicle, otic vesicle