acellular

adjective

acel·​lu·​lar (ˌ)ā-ˈsel-yə-lər How to pronounce acellular (audio)
1
: containing no cells
acellular vaccines
2
: not divided into cells : consisting of a single complex cell
—used especially of protozoa and ciliates

Examples of acellular in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Today’s whooping cough vaccines contain an acellular pertussis component, which is derived from inactive parts of the bacterium that causes whooping cough, Bordetella pertussis, per CDC. — Caroline C. Boyle, USA Today, 20 Apr. 2025 The acellular vaccine is still an effective vaccine. — Melissa Dahl, NBC News, 22 Feb. 2025

Word History

Etymology

a- entry 2 + cellular entry 1

First Known Use

1857, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of acellular was in 1857

Rhymes for acellular

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Browse Nearby Words

Aceldama
acellular
acenaphth-
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Cite this Entry

“Acellular.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/acellular. Accessed 15 Jun. 2025.

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Kids Definition

acellular

adjective
acel·​lu·​lar (ˈ)ā-ˈsel-yə-lər How to pronounce acellular (audio)
: not made up of cells

Medical Definition

acellular

adjective
acel·​lu·​lar (ˈ)ā-ˈsel-yə-lər How to pronounce acellular (audio)
1
: containing no cells
acellular vaccines
2
: not divided into cells : consisting of a single complex cell
—used especially of protozoans and ciliates
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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