micelle

noun

mi·​celle mī-ˈsel 

: a unit of structure built up from polymeric molecules or ions: such as

a

: an ordered region in a fiber (as of cellulose or rayon)

b

: a molecular aggregate that constitutes a colloidal particle

micellar

mī-ˈse-lər 

adjective

Examples of micelle in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The study explains that calcium chloride turns lecithin into long, worm-like structures called micelles. — Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 2 Nov. 2026

From there, the body produces tiny clusters of molecules called micelles. — Carrie Madormo, Verywell Health, 29 Oct. 2026

Another considered spider silk to be like silkworm silk, which has proteins organized into micelles, or small spheres, which then compress into silk fiber. — Yasemin Saplakoglu, Quanta Magazine, 28 Oct. 2026

This micellar water uses micelles to attract and trap dirt, oil, and makeup without needing a rinse or second cleanse. — Shea Simmons, PEOPLE, 18 July 2026

Word History

Etymology

New Latin micella, from Latin mica

First Known Use

1881, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for micelle

• barbell
• bedwell
• befell
• bluebell
• bombshell
• bridewell
• capelle
• cartel
• carvel
• clamshell
• cogswell
• compel

Medical Definition

micelle

noun

mi·​celle mī-ˈsel 

: a unit of structure built up from polymeric molecules or ions: as

a

: an ordered region in a fiber (as of cellulose or rayon)

b

: a molecular aggregate that constitutes a colloidal particle