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中文
细胞 — meaning in English: cell
xìbāo · Learn this word with quizzes, examples and more on Maspeak.
Guess the translation for
cell
细胞
xìbāo
鸭
yā
浴室
yùshì
脚跟
jiǎogēn
年龄
niánlíng
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technical
common
Usage
Native speakers often use the word 细胞 (xìbāo) in scientific discussions, particularly in biology or medical contexts. For instance, during a class on cellular biology, a teacher might explain how 细胞 are fundamental to life, or a doctor might refer to the role of 细胞 in diagnosing diseases.
Synonyms & nuances
Another word that can be used is 细菌 (xìjūn), which means 'bacteria.' While 细胞 refers specifically to the basic unit of life, 细菌 denotes a type of cell that is particularly microscopic and often associated with infection. You'd use 细胞 when discussing general biological concepts, whereas 细菌 would be more appropriate in microbiological contexts.
Culture
The word 细胞 combines the characters 细 (xì), meaning 'fine' or 'thin,' and 胞 (bāo), meaning 'sac' or 'pouch.' This reflects the intricate structure and function of cells in living organisms. Interestingly, the concept of cells was introduced to the world by Robert Hooke in the 17th century, but the term itself has evolved significantly in modern Chinese scientific literature.
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