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acellular

American  
[ey-sel-yuh-ler] / eɪˈsɛl jə lər /

adjective

  1. being without cells.

  2. composed of tissue not divided into separate cells, as striated muscle fibers.


acellular British  
/ eɪˈsɛljʊlə /

adjective

  1. biology not made up of or containing cells

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

acellular Scientific  
/ ā-sĕlyə-lər /
  1. Devoid of cells. The hyphae of some fungi are acellular.


Etymology

Origin of acellular

First recorded in 1935–40; a- 6 + cellular

Vocabulary lists containing acellular

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

Viruses are acellular, parasitic entities that are not classified within any kingdom.

From Textbooks Jun. 9, 2022

Slifka says the replacement of the whole cellular vaccine with the acellular one was unnecessary and a mistake.

From Science Magazine Apr. 18, 2019

That is far lower than the 87 percent vaccination rates for the Tdap vaccine, which prevents tetanus, diptheria and acellular pertussis.

From Salon Feb. 6, 2017

Early clinical trials suggested that this newer, acellular vaccine was also highly effective.

From Slate Sep. 5, 2012

Dr. Adamatzky, the researcher who watched acellular molds form highwaylike patterns, has also used them to simulate a nuclear disaster.

From New York Times Oct. 3, 2011

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