cell wall

American  

[sel wawl] / ˈsɛl ˈwɔl /

noun

Biology.

1. the definite boundary or wall that is part of the outer structure of certain cells, as a plant cell.

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cell wall British  

noun

1. the outer layer of a cell, esp the structure in plant cells that consists of cellulose, lignin, etc, and gives mechanical support to the cell

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cell wall Scientific  

1. The outermost layer of cells in plants, bacteria, fungi, and many algae that gives shape to the cell and protects it from infection. In plants, the cell wall is made up mostly of cellulose, determines tissue texture, and often is crucial to cell function.

2. Compare cell membrane

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cell wall Cultural  

1. The rigid outer covering of a typical plant cell, composed mainly of cellulose and lying outside the cell membrane. Animal cells do not have cell walls.

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Discover More

It is the cell walls that give plant stems and wood their stiffness.

Etymology

Origin of cell wall

First recorded in 1840–50

Compare meaning

How does cell-wall compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• cell wall vs. cell membrane