extracellular

[ ek-struh-sel-yuh-ler ]

adjective

, Biology.

1. outside a cell or cells.

extracellular

/ ˌɛkstrəˈsɛljʊlə /

adjective

1. biology situated or occurring outside a cell or cells

extracellular

/ ĕk′strə-sĕl′yə-lər /

1. Located or occurring outside a cell or cells.

Derived Forms

• ˌextraˈcellularly, adverb

Other Words From

• extra·cellu·lar·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of extracellular¹

First recorded in 1865–70; extra- + cellular

Example Sentences

Using a specialized gel that allows cells to mimic the extracellular matrix surrounding the pancreas, the team was able to grow tiny replicas of the organ with cells obtained from human patients.

From MIT Technology Review

There is even speculation that this extracellular matrix stiffening could be an upstream cause of several of the other hallmarks of aging, making it one of the most promising targets for future research.

From Fortune

Extracellular iodin-staining granules, which are present normally, are more numerous in iodophilia.

From Project Gutenberg

Extracellular (or Soluble) Toxins: those which are diffused into, and held in solution by, the surrounding medium.

From Project Gutenberg

They may take a smear, and they find that—intra and extracellular diplococci, they treat the patient for gonorrhea.

From Project Gutenberg

Such toxins being set free in the culture medium are often known as extracellular.

From Project Gutenberg

The young trophozoites (aseptate) are attached to the intestinal cells, but practically entirely extracellular.

From Project Gutenberg