ScienceAugust 15, 2026

unicellular

YOO-nee-SEL-yuh-ler

Definition

Consisting of a single cell; refers to organisms that perform all life functions within one solitary cell.

Etymology

Derived from the Latin 'unus' meaning 'one' and 'cellula' meaning 'small room' or 'cell'. It was coined in the 19th century to describe biological structures composed of a single cellular unit.

In the news

The article uses the term to describe slime molds, noting that while they are unicellular, they still exhibit complex behaviors like decision-making and maze navigation.

There’s a Vast Network Beneath Your Feet—And It Could Be Conscious, Some Theories Claim

Read the full article ↗

Popular Mechanics

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