host cell

noun

plural host cells

: a living cell invaded by or capable of being invaded by an infectious agent (such as a bacterium or a virus)

This drug integrates with the virus in a way that prevents it from attaching to host cells, and prevents viral replication of cells already infected.

—Donald M. Kaminsky

Once the protozoan invades the host cell, it apparently is shielded from the action of any drug.

—Burton J. Bogitsh et al.

Examples of host cell in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

In another study conducted around the same time, Picard found that perturbing mitochondria changed their host cell’s gene expression and growth, even when the organelles’ ability to transform energy was unchanged. — Rachel Nuwer, Quanta Magazine, 17 July 2026

Viruses contain genetic information but depend on host cells to reproduce. — Tara Deans, The Conversation, 8 July 2026

In these insects a betaproteobacterium (the primary endosymbiont) lives inside specialized host cells called bacteriocytes and itself contains a secondary endosymbiont, a gammaproteobacterium. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 18 June 2026

That position helps determine which host cells the virus can latch onto. — John Drake, Forbes.com, 28 Apr. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1885, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for host cell

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

Medical Definition

host cell

noun

: a living cell invaded by or capable of being invaded by an infectious agent (as a bacterium or a virus)

HIV makes Tat only after the virus gets inside a host cell.

—John Travis