goblet cell: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowTechnical/Scientific
Quick answer
What does “goblet cell” mean?
A specialized, mucus-secreting epithelial cell found in the linings of various organs.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A specialized, mucus-secreting epithelial cell found in the linings of various organs.
A columnar epithelial cell, shaped like a goblet, that produces and secretes mucin, a key component of mucus, to protect and lubricate epithelial surfaces. They are abundant in the respiratory and gastrointestinal tracts.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in spelling, meaning, or usage between British and American English in technical contexts.
Connotations
Purely technical and neutral in both varieties.
Frequency
Used exclusively in medical, biological, and histological contexts in both regions. Frequency is identical and tied to specialist discourse.
Grammar
How to Use “goblet cell” in a Sentence
The [epithelium] contains goblet cells.Goblet cells secrete [mucin/mucus].An increase in goblet cells is seen in [condition].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “goblet cell” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The goblet-cell density was measured.
- A goblet-cell-specific marker.
American English
- The goblet cell density was measured.
- A goblet cell-specific marker.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Core term in histology, physiology, and medical studies related to epithelial biology and mucosal defense.
Everyday
Virtually never used in everyday conversation.
Technical
Precise term in medical diagnostics, pathology (e.g., goblet cell carcinoid), and biological research.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “goblet cell”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “goblet cell”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “goblet cell”
- Mispronouncing 'goblet' as /ɡoʊˈbleɪ/ (like 'goblay').
- Using it as a general term for any secretory cell.
- Misspelling as 'goblin cell' or 'goblet sell'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a single-celled exocrine gland, often called a unicellular gland, but not a multi-cellular gland.
Its primary function is to synthesize and secrete mucin, which hydrates and forms a protective mucus layer on epithelial surfaces.
Yes, in properly stained tissue sections (e.g., with Alcian blue or PAS stain), goblet cells are clearly visible due to their distinctive shape and stained secretory granules.
An increase, called hyperplasia, is often a pathological response to chronic irritation (e.g., in asthma or bronchitis) and can lead to excessive mucus production.
A specialized, mucus-secreting epithelial cell found in the linings of various organs.
Goblet cell is usually technical/scientific in register.
Goblet cell: in British English it is pronounced /ˈɡɒblət sel/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈɡɑːblət sel/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a **goblet** (a fancy cup) being filled with sticky mucus. The cell stores its secretion in a cup-like shape before releasing it.
Conceptual Metaphor
THE CELL IS A CONTAINER (specifically, a cup/goblet holding secretory product).
Practice
Quiz
Where are goblet cells primarily found?