: 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
Examples of micelle in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
This ingenious product proves it can be done—grapeseed oil dissolves makeup, micelles trap dirt, squalane hydrates.
—
Women's Health, 9 May 2023
But this ups the ante with the addition of micelles in the mix to even more effectively attach to and break-down makeup, even heavy coverage foundation or waterproof mascara.
—Melanie Rud, Peoplemag, 13 Mar. 2023
The casein micelle: Historical aspects, current concepts and significance.
—Liz Roth-Johnson, Discover Magazine, 12 Feb. 2013
These molecules, when suspended in water, alternately float about as solitary units, interact with other molecules in the solution and assemble themselves into little bubbles called micelles, with heads pointing outward and tails tucked inside.
—Ferris Jabr, New York Times, 13 Mar. 2020
Some bacteria and viruses have lipid membranes that resemble double-layered micelles with two bands of hydrophobic tails sandwiched between two rings of hydrophilic heads.
—Ferris Jabr, New York Times, 13 Mar. 2020
These two textures work together cohesively, creating a silky lather of micelles and oil, which melt away the most stubborn makeup, without feeling too harsh on the skin.
—Maya Allen, Marie Claire, 19 Feb. 2019
And on no-shower days, there are micelles in R + Co Spiritualized Dry Shampoo Mist.
—Elizabeth Siegel, Allure, 16 May 2018
Simple Skincare’s version skips strong surfactants for a combo of hydrating plant extracts and micelles (cleansing bubbles that attract dirt and oil without stripping skin).
—Lauren Balsamo, Cosmopolitan, 22 Aug. 2017
See More
Women's Health, 9 May 2023
But this ups the ante with the addition of micelles in the mix to even more effectively attach to and break-down makeup, even heavy coverage foundation or waterproof mascara.
—Melanie Rud, Peoplemag, 13 Mar. 2023
The casein micelle: Historical aspects, current concepts and significance.
—Liz Roth-Johnson, Discover Magazine, 12 Feb. 2013
These molecules, when suspended in water, alternately float about as solitary units, interact with other molecules in the solution and assemble themselves into little bubbles called micelles, with heads pointing outward and tails tucked inside.
—Ferris Jabr, New York Times, 13 Mar. 2020
Some bacteria and viruses have lipid membranes that resemble double-layered micelles with two bands of hydrophobic tails sandwiched between two rings of hydrophilic heads.
—Ferris Jabr, New York Times, 13 Mar. 2020
These two textures work together cohesively, creating a silky lather of micelles and oil, which melt away the most stubborn makeup, without feeling too harsh on the skin.
—Maya Allen, Marie Claire, 19 Feb. 2019
And on no-shower days, there are micelles in R + Co Spiritualized Dry Shampoo Mist.
—Elizabeth Siegel, Allure, 16 May 2018
Simple Skincare’s version skips strong surfactants for a combo of hydrating plant extracts and micelles (cleansing bubbles that attract dirt and oil without stripping skin).
—Lauren Balsamo, Cosmopolitan, 22 Aug. 2017
See More
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'micelle.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
Etymology
New Latin micella, from Latin mica
First Known Use
1881, in the meaning defined above
Dictionary Entries Near micelle
Cite this Entry
“Micelle.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/micelle. Accessed 5 Dec. 2023.
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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
More from Merriam-Webster on micelle
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about micelle
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