Vesicle

Pronunciation

• IPA: /ˈvÉ›sɪkl/
• Hyphenation: ves + icle

Origin

From French vésicule or its source, Latin vēsīcula.

Full definition of vesicle

Noun

1. (cytology) A membrane-bound compartment found in a cell.
2. A small bladder-like cell or cavity.
3. (anatomy) A small sac or cyst or vacuole, especially one containing fluid. A blister formed in or beneath the skin, containing serum. A bleb.
4. (anatomy) A pocket of embryonic tissue that is the beginning of an organ.
5. (geology) A small cavity formed in volcanic rock by entrapment of a gas bubble during solidification.
• 2004, Richard Fortey, The Earth, Folio Society 2011, p. 51:It frequently contains holes, or vesicles, especially nearer the surface of a flow where gas has escaped.

Related terms

• vesica
• vesication
• vesiculation