What does vesicle mean?
A vesicle is a small sac-like structure or cavity, usually bounded by a membrane and containing fluid, gas, or another substance. In cell biology, vesicles are important membrane-bound compartments used to store, move, and release materials; synaptic vesicles, for example, hold neurotransmitters until a nerve signal triggers their release. The term is also used in anatomy and botany for small fluid-filled sacs and in geology for tiny cavities left in volcanic rock by trapped gas bubbles. “Vesicle” is consequently a formal scientific word rather than a general everyday noun. Its Latin origin, vesicula, literally means “little bladder,” a useful reminder of its characteristic sac-like shape. Although it can be translated in simpler contexts as a sac or small bladder, the technical senses usually imply a more specific biological, geological, or microscopic structure.
nounA small sac-like structure or cavity, often bounded by a membrane and containing fluid, gas, or another substance. The term is especially common in biology for small membrane-bound compartments within cells.
- In cell biology, a small membrane-bound sac that contains or transports substances.
- In anatomy and plant biology, a small fluid-filled sac or cavity within an organism.
- In geology, a small cavity in volcanic rock formed by a trapped gas bubble.
"The neuron stores neurotransmitter molecules in synaptic vesicles until a signal arrives."
"Membrane proteins are delivered to the cell surface in transport vesicles."
"Tiny gas vesicles in volcanic rock preserve evidence of the lava's original composition."
The standard plural is “vesicles,” with the final -e retained.
"Several vesicles released their contents outside the cell."
From a tiny Latin “little bladder” to the cellular bubbles that package, store, and transport materials.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does vesicle come from?
English “vesicle” comes from Latin vesicula, a diminutive of vesica, meaning “bladder.” The diminutive form reflects the word's original sense of a small bladder-like sac. Its later scientific uses developed the modern meanings of a small membrane-bound cellular compartment and a small cavity in an organism or volcanic rock; related English forms include “vesicular,” “vesicate,” and “vesication.”
Related word forms
How vesicle is actually used
This is primarily a formal scientific and technical term, especially common in cell biology, anatomy, botany, and geology. Its use is specialized rather than everyday, and it should not be confused with the adjective “vesical.”
Easily confused with vesicle
“Vesical” is an adjective meaning relating to the urinary bladder, whereas “vesicle” is a noun for a small sac-like structure.