Cell
/sɛl/noun
A small room or compartment, often used for imprisonment or as a biological unit.
Did you know?The term ‘cell’ was originally used to describe a small room for monks, hinting at both spiritual dedication and isolation.
Etymological Timeline
Latin
Latin
cella
“A small room or storeroom, often associated with temples or cells for monks.”
Old French
Old French
celle
“A small room or chamber, particularly one used for confinement.”
Middle English
Middle English
celle
“A small chamber or room for solitary confinement, often in a religious context.”
Modern English
English
cell
“A unit of life in biology or a small room, often implying confinement or a compartmentalized space.”
Explore more surprising origins