contractile vacuole

noun

: a vacuole in a unicellular organism that contracts regularly to discharge fluid and especially water from the cell

Word History

First Known Use

1876, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of contractile vacuole was in 1876

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contractile vacuole
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Cite this Entry

“Contractile vacuole.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/contractile%20vacuole. Accessed 27 Feb. 2025.

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Kids Definition

contractile vacuole

noun
: a vacuole in a single-celled organism that contracts regularly to discharge water from the cell

Medical Definition

contractile vacuole

noun
: a vacuole in a unicellular organism that contracts regularly to discharge fluid from the body

More from Merriam-Webster on contractile vacuole

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about contractile vacuole

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