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 See More

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'cell wall.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Word History

First Known Use

1840, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of cell wall was in 1840

Dictionary Entries Near cell wall

Cite this Entry

“Cell wall.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cell%20wall. Accessed 28 Mar. 2023.

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

More from Merriam-Webster on cell wall

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