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

That’s because the cell walls of their growing cells can’t solidify in cold conditions, creating weakened wood rings that turn blue when the wood is sampled and stained. —Sam Walters, Discover Magazine, 22 Jan. 2025

Cotton biodegrades relatively quickly because it is made of cellulose, an organic compound that is the basis of plant cell walls and vegetable fibers. —Catherine Salfino, Sourcing Journal, 3 Sep. 2019

These messages, carved into cell walls, are one of the few tangible remnants of the lives lost or forever scarred within. —Yaakov Katz, Newsweek, 17 Jan. 2025

The digitization of detention means ICE and private prisons can expand their invisible cell walls anywhere, and the psychological burden is devastating. —Laura Hernandez, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 Jan. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1840, in the meaning defined above

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