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Multicellular - Meaning, Definition & English Examples

Multicellular describes organisms composed of multiple cells that work together, forming tissues and organs. Examples include plants, animals, and fungi, which are more complex than single-celled life forms.

multicellular

/ˌmʌltiˈsɛljələr/ /ˌmʌltiˈsɛljʊlə/

Definition:

Composed of multiple cells, often forming complex organisms.

Synonyms:

complex-celled, cellular, organismal

Part of Speech:

adjective

Antonyms:

unicellular, single-celled

Common Collocations:

multicellular organisms, multicellular life, multicellular structure

Derivatives:

multicellularity, multicellularly

Usage Tips:

Use "multicellular" to describe organisms or structures made of many cells, contrasting with single-celled life forms.

Common Phrases:

multicellular life forms, multicellular systems

Etymology:

From Latin "multi-" (many) + "cellularis" (of cells), first used in the 19th century.

Examples:

  • 1. Humans are multicellular organisms with specialized tissues.
  • 2. Plants are multicellular and perform photosynthesis efficiently.
  • 3. Multicellular life evolved from single-celled ancestors billions of years ago.
  • 4. The human body is a complex multicellular system.

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