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

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web

Then, the toxin draws more toxins to the site, concentrating their power to cut a hole in the cell wall, Mesnage says. —Leslie Nemo, Discover Magazine, 6 Nov. 2019

Each cell in that outer ring has a strong cell wall and is normally plump because it’s filled with water. —Helen Czerski, WSJ, 25 June 2021

Both creatures’ guts have evolved to be the perfect home for microbes that break down cellulose, part of the plant cell wall, into nutrients and discard methane gas as waste in the digestive process. —Frances Vinall, Washington Post, 1 Jan. 2023

Both creatures' guts have evolved to be the perfect home for microbes that break down cellulose, part of the plant cell wall, into nutrients and discard methane gas as waste in the digestive process. —Frances Vinall, BostonGlobe.com, 1 Jan. 2023

In the case of penicillin, the drug binds and inhibits a bacterial enzyme called transpeptidase, which helps connect components of the cell wall structure that encases the bacterium. —Bill Sullivan, Discover Magazine, 3 Nov. 2021

By attaching to the surface of the bacteria's cell wall, the nanoparticles disrupt the wall and burst it open. —Patrick Morgan, Discover Magazine, 6 Apr. 2011

Its cell wall, too, is complex, with tiny lollipop structures sticking out, as if to sample the environment. —Byelizabeth Pennisi, science.org, 21 Dec. 2022

Inside the membrane of the cell wall, a minute world on which all of life depends. —Wsj Books Staff, WSJ, 28 Oct. 2022

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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