extracellular

American  

[ek-struh-sel-yuh-ler] / ˌɛk strəˈsɛl yə lər /

adjective

Biology.

1. outside a cell or cells.

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extracellular British  

/ ˌɛkstrəˈsɛljʊlə /

adjective

1. biology situated or occurring outside a cell or cells

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extracellular Scientific  

/ ĕk′strə-sĕl′yə-lər /

1. Located or occurring outside a cell or cells.

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Other Word Forms

• extracellularly adverb

Etymology

Origin of extracellular

First recorded in 1865–70; extra- + cellular

Example Sentences

This step leaves behind the extracellular matrix, which is the natural framework that surrounds cells in tissues and provides both structural support and biological signals.

From Science Daily • Mar. 7, 2026

The therapy is delivered as a liquid injection that quickly forms a web of nanofibers resembling the spinal cord's extracellular matrix.

From Science Daily • Feb. 16, 2026

This protein is known for its ability to reshape the extracellular matrix - the structure that organizes and maintains healthy tissue.

From Science Daily • Jan. 30, 2026

The study uncovers a hidden mechanism by which cancer cells spread immunosuppressive PD-L1 through extracellular vesicles, allowing tumors to weaken immune responses far beyond their immediate environment.

From Science Daily • Jan. 28, 2026

Further growth is restricted, practically, to the extracellular regions, and the epimerite often comes to appear ultimately as a small appendage at the anterior end of the protomerite.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 12, Slice 5 "Greek Law" to "Ground-Squirrel" by Various