What does multicellular mean?
Multicellular describes something made up of more than one cell, and it is especially important in biology. Most familiar forms of life, including animals, plants, and fungi, are multicellular organisms whose cells are specialized to perform different functions. In these organisms, cells are typically organized into tissues, organs, or other coordinated systems rather than operating as isolated units. The word contrasts with unicellular, which describes an organism or structure consisting of one cell. Multicellularity is also a major stage in biological evolution, because cooperation among specialized cells made larger, more complex forms of life possible. In scientific and educational writing, the term is clear and technically precise, distinguishing complex cellular organization from single-celled life.
adjectiveConsisting of or involving more than one cell. Multicellular organisms have cells that are organized into tissues and often organs.
- Having or consisting of multiple cells.
"The study examined how multicellular organisms coordinate the activities of their cells."
"Most animals, including humans, are multicellular organisms."
"The microscope revealed a complex multicellular structure in the sample."
From a single-celled beginning, life evolved into multicellular forms whose cells cooperate like specialized members of a community.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does multicellular come from?
The word combines the Latin-derived prefix multi-, meaning “many,” with cellular, which comes from Latin cellula, a diminutive of cella, meaning “small room” or “cell.” The combined adjective reflects the idea of an organism or structure composed of many cells. Its basic terminology has been used in scientific writing since the 19th century, during the period when cellular biology became firmly established.
Related word forms
How multicellular is actually used
The term is used in biology and related sciences. It is especially common in descriptions of organisms, tissues, and stages of biological development.
Easily confused with multicellular
A multicellular organism consists of more than one cell, whereas a unicellular organism consists of a single cell.