细胞壁 (xì bāo bì)

noun HSK 6

Traditional 細胞壁

xì bāo bì

cell wall

Meaning

The cell wall is a rigid outer layer found in plant cells, fungi, and bacteria that surrounds the cell membrane. It provides structural support, protection, and helps maintain cell shape. This is a scientific/biological term primarily used in academic contexts.

Usage

This is technical vocabulary used in biology, botany, and microbiology courses. Native speakers encounter it mainly in textbooks, scientific writing, and educational settings. It's rarely used in everyday conversation unless discussing biology or related scientific topics.

Examples

01
植物细胞壁主要由纤维素组成。
Zhí wù xì bāo bì zhǔ yào yóu xiān wéi sù zǔ chéng.
Plant cell walls are mainly composed of cellulose.
02
细胞壁为植物细胞提供了坚固的保护。
Xì bāo bì wèi zhí wù xì bāo tí gōng le jiān gù de bǎo hù.
The cell wall provides rigid protection for plant cells.

Characters

Measure words

层céng一层细胞壁
个gè一个完整的细胞壁

Common collocations

细胞壁的结构
xì bāo bì de jié gòu
structure of the cell wall
植物细胞壁
zhí wù xì bāo bì
plant cell wall
细胞壁成分
xì bāo bì chéng fèn
cell wall composition

Origin

The term directly translates to 'cell wall' with 细胞 meaning 'cell' (literally 'fine/small sac') and 壁 meaning 'wall'. This is a modern scientific term created as a direct translation of the Western biological concept.