cell wall

[sel wawl]

noun

Biology.

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

cell wall

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

cell wall

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

cell wall

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.

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of cell wall¹

First recorded in 1840–50

Example Sentences

At first, police said Ojwang died after hitting his own head against the cell wall.

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"While in custody, the suspect sustained head injuries after hitting his head against a cell wall," a police statement said.

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Unlike eating fresh fruit - which is much better for a child - pureeing releases sugar from inside fruit cell walls and can be absorbed much more quickly.

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Zhoie Perez slouched against the holding cell wall in Men’s Central Jail and closed her eyes, hoping a guard would jolt her awake with the words she’d been waiting for: The bus is here!

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For example, the cell walls of plants provide structural strength and are rich in fiber, while their energy vesicles store carbohydrates.

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