intercellular

adjective

in·​ter·​cel·​lu·​lar ˌin-tər-ˈsel-yə-lər How to pronounce intercellular (audio)
: relating to, involving, or occurring in the space between the cells of a multicellular organism or in the space between cells of closely associated unicellular microorganisms (such as bacteria)
… potent chemical transmitters of intercellular and intracellular signals that mediate a diversity of physiologic and pathologic functions …John A. Oates
These mechanisms may provide a physical pathway for very small solutes to pass through a single endothelial cell, but the leak of larger proteins probably occurs at the intercellular junctions between adjacent endothelial cells.Sara M. Weis et al.
A biofilm is a community of bacteria that use intercellular signaling …J. Christopher Post et al.

Examples of intercellular in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Primitive land-plant fossils from 400 million years ago show neither roots nor leaves — but the core tissues of the plants show quite large intercellular air spaces. Quanta Magazine, 31 Jan. 2024 Also, if the intercellular conduits could be severed, that might prevent some of these debilitating aftereffects of infection. Stephanie Pappas, Scientific American, 20 July 2022 In addition to promoting equilibrium in the intercellular fluid environment, electrolytes also provide important electrolytic elements like magnesium and potassium, which are known for their replenishing abilities. Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 11 Feb. 2023 Pulses from sensory organs pass through the intercellular fluid and enter closely situated neurons. Neuroskeptic, Discover Magazine, 22 Mar. 2014 This innovative formula is designed to bolster muscle growth and athletic performance by specifically targeting the intracellular and intercellular signaling pathways involved in muscular adaptations. Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 12 Oct. 2022 The skin in the area between the wrist and the base knuckles includes both intercellular and extracellular fluid, which makes up 60% of body weight. Brieanna J. Frank, USA TODAY, 28 June 2021 With lupus, patients make antibodies against any different number of organs, cells, internuclear proteins and intercellular particles. Matt Villano, CNN, 10 May 2021 Those on the bottom are crushed and begin to ferment, releasing carbon dioxide, which induces a different, intercellular fermentation in the bunches on top. New York Times, 22 Feb. 2021

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'intercellular.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1835, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of intercellular was in 1835

Dictionary Entries Near intercellular

Cite this Entry

“Intercellular.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/intercellular. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

intercellular

adjective
in·​ter·​cel·​lu·​lar
ˌint-ər-ˈsel-yə-lər
: lying between cells
intercellular spaces

Medical Definition

intercellular

adjective
in·​ter·​cel·​lu·​lar ˌint-ər-ˈsel-yə-lər How to pronounce intercellular (audio)
: occurring between cells
intercellular spaces
intercellularly adverb
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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