Phrase guide

host cell

noun · 1 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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1

noun

Meaning 1

A living cell which harbours an infectious agent (such as a virus or bacterium).

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Topics: biology, natural-sciences

Examples

  • Host cells are forced to produce thousands of copies of the original virus.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

No etymology was provided for this word.

Across languages

Translations

4 source translations are retained for this English entry.

  • Dutch: gastheercel — living cell which harbours an infectious agent
  • Finnish: isäntäsolu — living cell which harbours an infectious agent
  • French: cellule hôte — living cell which harbours an infectious agent
  • Hungarian: gazdasejt — living cell which harbours an infectious agent