Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Relating to or consisting of cells: Pertaining to the basic structural and functional unit of living organisms or organizations.
   • Characterized by small compartments or units: Having a structure divided into or made up of distinct, often small, sections or cells.
   • Porous or having a mesh-like structure: Containing small holes or a network of spaces, like certain materials.

Usage Examples

• Relating to biological cells:
  • The scientist studied the cellular structure of the leaf under a microscope.
  • Cellular respiration is a fundamental process for energy production.
• Characterized by compartments or units:
  • The cellular organization of the secret network made it difficult to dismantle.
  • The building had a cellular layout with many small, independent offices.
• Describing a porous material:
  • The mattress was made from a lightweight, cellular foam.
  • This cellular fabric allows for excellent breathability.

Advanced Usage

• "Cellular automaton": A discrete model studied in mathematics and theoretical biology, consisting of a grid of cells that evolve based on simple rules.
  • Researchers use cellular automata to simulate complex natural systems.
• "Cellular network": A communication network where the last link is wireless, distributed over land areas called cells.
  • The country has extensive cellular network coverage.

Variants and Related Words

• Cell (n): The basic unit of life or a small room/compartment.
  • Every plant and animal is composed of cells.
• Cellularity (n): The state or condition of being cellular.
  • The cellularity of the tissue sample was high.
• Intercellular (adj): Located between cells.
  • Intercellular communication is vital for tissue function.
• Intracellular (adj): Located or occurring within a cell.
  • Intracellular processes are complex and tightly regulated.

Synonyms

• Compartmentalized: Divided into sections or categories.
• Alveolar: Having small cavities or pits (used in specific biological/medical contexts).
• Porous: Full of tiny holes that allow fluids or air to pass through.

Related Phrases

• Cellular phone (often shortened to "cell phone"): A portable telephone that can make and receive calls over a radio frequency link while moving within a telephone service area.
  • She checked the map on her cellular phone.
• Cellular immunity: An immune response that involves the activation of immune cells, such as T-cells, to fight infection.
  • Vaccines can help boost cellular immunity.

Related Idioms

(No common idioms are directly based on the word "cellular".)

Adjective

1. characterized by or divided into or containing cells or compartments (the smallest organizational or structural unit of an organism or organization)
   • the cellular construction of a beehive
   • any effective opposition to a totalitarian regime must be secretive and cellular
2. relating to cells
   • cellular walls
   • cellular physiology