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

To hide from light, some chloroplasts even tuck themselves behind others in a 3D cluster along the cell wall — an arrangement that’s only possible if the cell interior becomes more fluidlike first. —Quanta Magazine, 4 May 2026

Scientists don’t fully understand why, but one intriguing study found that some particles from the bacteria’s cell wall leak into the joints and can persist after treatment, spurring ongoing inflammation and arthritis symptoms. —Lakshmi Chauhan, The Conversation, 30 Apr. 2026

Radiation destroys cell walls and other key molecular structures within the body. —The Week Uk, TheWeek, 26 Apr. 2026

The heat ruptures the cell walls in the leaves, causing desiccation and ultimately killing the weed. —Andy Wilcox, Better Homes & Gardens, 25 Apr. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1840, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for cell wall

• aldol
• armhole
• atoll
• awol
• backhaul
• banal
• baseball
• befall
• cabal
• catchall
• cecal
• centrale

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