unicellular

[yoo-nuh-sel-yuh-ler]

adjective

1. having or consisting of a single cell.

unicellular

/ ˌjuːnɪˈsɛljʊlə /

adjective

1. (of organisms, such as protozoans and certain algae) consisting of a single cell

unicellular

1. Having or consisting of a single cell.

2. Compare multicellular

Other Word Forms

• unicellularity noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of unicellular¹

First recorded in 1855–60; uni- + cellular

Example Sentences

Galdieria extract blue comes from a unicellular red algae, which is an organism that thrives in extreme marine and terrestrial environments, according to the National Institutes of Health.

From Los Angeles Times

Though Jablonski is more bullish on the survival prospects of unicellular life, there is some comfort for the multicellular among us too.

From Salon

Yeast are unicellular fungi that ferment sugar into alcohol and carbon dioxide.

From Salon

Its production takes place in the unique catalytic center of the unicellular algae and is only possible if certain cofactors of the relevant proteins are present.

From Science Daily

For example, the researchers found evidence of "heterospecific killing," where a cell engulfs and kills a cell of a different species, across a wide range of unicellular, facultatively multicellular, and obligate multicellular organisms.

From Science Daily