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

A third population, which did not produce 15-PGDH and instead expressed genes tied to hyaline cartilage formation and maintenance of the extracellular matrix, rose from 22% to 42%.

From Science Daily • Jan. 20, 2026

Diseased kidneys release tiny particles known as "circulating extracellular vesicles" into the bloodstream.

From Science Daily • Jan. 20, 2026

The team proposes several possibilities: the cells could release antiaging proteins or tiny extracellular vesicles capable of entering the brain, or they might remove pro-aging factors from the bloodstream, protecting the brain from harmful effects.

From Science Daily • Oct. 23, 2025

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

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 3, Part 1, Slice 2 "Baconthorpe" to "Bankruptcy" by Various