Definition

1. Proper noun:
   • A German physiologist and histologist: Theodor Schwann was a 19th-century German scientist known for his foundational work in biology.
   • A key figure in cell theory: He is recognized for identifying the cell as the fundamental structural unit of animal tissues.

Usage Examples

• Proper noun:
  • Theodor Schwann made a pivotal contribution to modern biology.
  • The principles established by Theodor Schwann are taught in science classes worldwide.

Advanced Usage

• "Schwann cell": A type of glial cell in the peripheral nervous system named after Theodor Schwann.
  • The axon is insulated by a myelin sheath produced by Schwann cells.

Variants and Related Words

• Schwannian (adj): Pertaining to or characteristic of the work or theories of Theodor Schwann.
  • The textbook covered the Schwannian perspective on tissue structure.

Synonyms

• Biologist: A scientist who studies living organisms.
• Histologist: A specialist in the study of the microscopic structure of tissues.

Related Phrases

• Cell theory: The scientific theory that living organisms are made up of cells, and that all cells come from pre-existing cells. Theodor Schwann is a co-founder of this theory.
  • Theodor Schwann is credited, along with Matthias Schleiden, for formulating a key tenet of cell theory.

Noun

1. German physiologist and histologist who in 1838 and 1839 identified the cell as the basic structure of plant and animal tissue (1810-1882)