: 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
Not your average water, this uses micelles to remove makeup and expertly cleanse the skin.
—
Kiana Murden, Vogue, 5 Mar. 2024
That’s because micelles, or clusters of molecules that bind to dirt and oil, work by grabbing buildup off the skin (no harsh scrubbing needed).
—Jenna Ryu, SELF, 21 Feb. 2024
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
Kiana Murden, Vogue, 5 Mar. 2024
That’s because micelles, or clusters of molecules that bind to dirt and oil, work by grabbing buildup off the skin (no harsh scrubbing needed).
—Jenna Ryu, SELF, 21 Feb. 2024
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
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.
Dictionary Entries Near micelle
Cite this Entry
“Micelle.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/micelle. Accessed 19 Apr. 2024.
Copy CitationMedical 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
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