What is cell? Pronunciation and usage in English

cell means . Learn how to pronounce and use cell through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of cell

cellnoun

/sɛl/
Definition & pronunciation of cell

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "cell" in English. It's a tricky one because it's a common source of confusion!

Here's the standard pronunciation, and then a breakdown of what makes it tricky:

Standard Pronunciation:

  • ˈsel (stress is on the first syllable)

Let's break it down phonetically (using sounds):

  • ˈ - This represents a primary stress. It means you'll emphasize this syllable more than the others.
  • sel - This is how you say the syllable itself. It sounds like "sell" but with a shorter “e” sound.

Here's how it sounds:

Imagine a short "se" sound followed by a very short “l” sound. It's a quick, clipped sound.

Why it's confusing:

  • The “ell” sound: Many people try to pronounce it like "sell," which is a common mistake. But the "cell" pronunciation is distinct.
  • The vowel: The vowel sound in "cell" is often described as a schwa sound (ə), which is a very neutral, relaxed vowel sound. It's not like the "e" in "bed" or the "e" in "say." It's a quick, almost swallowed sound.

Tips for getting it right:

  • Listen to native speakers: The best way to learn is to hear it. Search for "how to pronounce cell" on YouTube and listen to several examples from native English speakers.
  • Mimic the sound: Try repeating after a native speaker, focusing on the quick, clipped "se" sound followed by the short "l."
  • Don't over-emphasize: It’s a quick sound, avoid lengthening it.

Resources for Hearing Pronunciation:

Do you want me to:

  • Give you more examples of words with a similar sound?
  • Focus on a specific aspect of the pronunciation (like the vowel sound)?

Usage and examples with the word cell in English

The word "cell" has a surprisingly wide range of meanings in English! Here's a breakdown of how to use it, categorized for clarity:

1. Biology - The Most Common Meaning:

  • Definition: A basic structural and functional unit of all known living organisms. Think of it as the smallest unit that can perform life functions.
  • Examples:
    • "Each cell contains DNA."
    • "Scientists study cells under a microscope."
    • "Cancer develops when cells divide uncontrollably."
    • "Red cells (also known as erythrocytes) carry oxygen."

2. Physical Structures:

  • Definition: A small room or enclosed space. Often used to denote a simple, bare space.
  • Examples:
    • "He was held in a prison cell." (think of a small jail cell)
    • "The cell was cold and damp."
    • "The artist worked in a small, private cell in the castle."
    • "The scientists kept their experiments in a secure cell."

3. Telecommunications (Older Term):

  • Definition: A unit of communication, particularly in early telephone systems. Less common now, but you might encounter it in discussions of historical technology.
  • Example: "The cell system greatly improved long-distance phone calls." (more common: mobile network)

4. Chemistry:

  • Definition: A fundamental unit of matter, such as an atom or molecule. (less commonly used in informal conversation, usually in scientific contexts)
  • Example: "A cell is composed of atoms."

5. Computing (Slang - somewhat dated):

  • Definition: (Informal) A group of users who communicate via the internet, typically connected through a specific forum, chat room, or online community. This is an older usage and less common currently.
  • Example: "They're part of a gaming cell online."

6. Music (Technically, a "musical cell"):

  • Definition: A small, repeating musical phrase.
  • Example: "The composer used musical cells throughout the piece."

Key Points & Tips:

  • Context is crucial: The meaning of "cell" depends entirely on the context in which it’s used.
  • Consider the subject: If the conversation is about science, biology is likely the intended meaning. If it’s about law or jails, it’s a physical room.

Resources for Further Learning:

To help me give you even more tailored advice, could you tell me:

  • What is the context in which you want to use the word "cell"? (e.g., are you writing an essay, talking about biology, etc.)

Synonyms for the word cell

Practice with vocabulary cell

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. The scientist examined the _____ under the microscope to observe its structure.
  2. During the biology lecture, the professor explained the function of a _____.
  3. The prisoner was isolated in a small _____ for security reasons.
  4. The artist used a _____ as inspiration for her abstract painting.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. Which of the following is the basic unit of life?
    a) Atom
    b) Cell
    c) Molecule
    d) Organism

  2. What do you call a small room in a prison?
    a) Chamber
    b) Cell
    c) Cubicle
    d) Booth

  3. Which term refers to a compartment in a battery?
    a) Container
    b) Chamber
    c) Cell
    d) Case

  4. What is a group of similar organisms living together called?
    a) Colony
    b) Community
    c) Cluster
    d) Assembly

  5. Which of these is a synonym for "chamber" in certain contexts?
    a) Compartment
    b) Vessel
    c) Cell
    d) Room

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. Original: The biologist studied the smallest unit of life.
    Rewritten: The biologist studied the cell.

  2. Original: The phone’s battery stopped working after a few years.
    Rewritten: The phone’s cell stopped functioning after a few years.

  3. Original: The monk lived in a small, isolated room.
    Rewritten: The monk lived in a secluded chamber.

Answer:

Exercise 1

  1. cell
  2. cell
  3. cell
  4. structure

Exercise 2

  1. b) Cell
  2. b) Cell
  3. c) Cell
  4. a) Colony
  5. c) Cell

Exercise 3

  1. The biologist studied the cell.
  2. The phone’s cell stopped functioning after a few years.
  3. The monk lived in a secluded chamber.

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