células
“células” means “cells” in Spanish (biological units).
cells
Also: units
📝 In Action
Nuestro cuerpo está compuesto por miles de millones de células.
B1Our body is made up of billions of cells.
Las células madre tienen la capacidad de convertirse en muchos tipos diferentes.
B2Stem cells have the ability to turn into many different types.
Vimos las células de la cebolla bajo el microscopio.
A2We saw the onion cells under the microscope.
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: células
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence correctly uses 'células'?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼
The word comes from the Latin term *cellula*, which was a diminutive of *cella* meaning 'small room' or 'chamber.' When scientists first observed these tiny structures under a microscope, they reminded them of small, enclosed rooms.
First recorded: The concept gained prominence in the 17th century with the invention of the microscope.
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
¿Cuál es la diferencia entre 'células' y 'celdas'?
'Células' refers to the tiny building blocks of life (like plant or human cells). 'Celdas' (or 'celda' in singular) usually refers to a small, enclosed room, often a prison cell or a honeycombed compartment.
If 'célula' means 'cell,' why is 'celular' used for 'cell phone'?
In Latin America, 'celular' is the common shortened word for 'teléfono celular' (cellular phone). It refers to the technology's structure, which uses a network of small areas (cells) to transmit signals.