Etymology Map
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Cell

3 stages from Latin to English.

Today it means a small room; the basic unit of life

Where does the word "cell" come from? It comes from Latin cella, passing through Old French before entering English (1100s).

1
Stage 1 of 3
cella
Latin · ancient
"small room, storeroom"
related to 'celare', to hide
2
Stage 2 of 3
celle
Old French · medieval
"monk's cell"
a small room in a monastery
3
Stage 3 of 3
cell
English · 1100s
"small room"
biological 'cells' were named by Robert Hooke in 1665
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Read the full story

Cell’s story begins in Latin: cella meant “small room, storeroom.” Related to 'celare', to hide. By medieval, the word had taken hold in Old French as celle. A small room in a monastery. It reached English by 1100s as cell. Biological 'cells' were named by Robert Hooke in 1665. Today, cell means a small room; the basic unit of life.