Cellule
/ˈsɛl.juːl/noun
A small cell or compartment, especially in biology or in a prison context.
Did you know?Cellule entered English through French, ultimately from Latin *cellula* meaning “little cell,” a diminutive of *cella*—the same root behind secret chambers, monastic cells, and the modern idea of biological cells.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*ḱel-
“to cover, conceal, or hide”
Latin
Latin
cella
“a small room, chamber, or storeroom”
Late Latin
Latin
cellula
“a little cell or small chamber”
Old French
Old French
cellule
“a small cell or compartment”
Modern English
English
cellule
“a small cell or compartment, especially in biology or prison contexts”