vacuoles

vac-u-oles · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    Plural of vacuole; membrane-bound organelles found in cells that contain fluid.

  2. 2.

    Small cavities in the cytoplasm of cells that perform various functions.

  3. 3.

    (Botany) Storage compartments in plant cells that maintain turgor pressure.

Related words

See also: cell, organelle, vacuole
Synonyms: cellular compartments, vesicles

Etymology

From Latin vacuus (empty), with diminutive suffix -ole indicating a small structure, plus plural -s.