hela cell: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Technical/Academic
Quick answer
What does “hela cell” mean?
A specific, immortalized cell line used extensively in biological research, originally derived from a cervical cancer sample taken from Henrietta Lacks in 1951.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A specific, immortalized cell line used extensively in biological research, originally derived from a cervical cancer sample taken from Henrietta Lacks in 1951.
Any culture of these cells or research materials derived from them, which have become a standard tool in laboratories worldwide. The term is also associated with the historical and ethical issues surrounding their use without the donor's consent.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or spelling. Both varieties capitalise 'HeLa'.
Connotations
Identical technical and ethical connotations in both varieties.
Frequency
Used with equal frequency in biomedical and research contexts in both the UK and US.
Grammar
How to Use “hela cell” in a Sentence
The researchers cultured [HeLa cells]The experiment was conducted using [the HeLa cell line]The contamination originated from [HeLa cells]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “hela cell” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The lab plans to HeLa the new protocol.
- We've been HeLa-ing these samples for weeks.
American English
- We need to HeLa this assay to validate it.
- The technician is HeLa-ing the cultures now.
adverb
British English
- The cells grew HeLa-fast.
- The culture failed, behaving quite HeLa-unusually.
American English
- The culture proliferated HeLa-quickly.
- It was a HeLa-typical result.
adjective
British English
- The HeLa-derived protein was analysed.
- They encountered a HeLa contamination issue.
American English
- The HeLa-based experiment succeeded.
- We used a HeLa-specific antibody.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rarely used, except in biotech/pharma contexts regarding cell-based production or intellectual property.
Academic
Central term in biology, medicine, and bioethics papers.
Everyday
Virtually never used. Knowledge of the term is linked to having read 'The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks'.
Technical
The default context. Refers to the specific cell type used in countless experiments.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “hela cell”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “hela cell”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “hela cell”
- Writing 'hela' or 'Hela' in lowercase (it must be 'HeLa').
- Using it as a plural-only term without 'cells' (e.g., 'We studied HeLa' is acceptable in context; 'We studied a HeLa' is not).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is an acronym derived from the first two letters of the donor's first and last names: Henrietta Lacks.
Yes, they remain a fundamental tool in laboratories worldwide for research in cancer, virology, genetics, and drug development.
They were taken and used for research without the knowledge or consent of Henrietta Lacks or her family, who also did not benefit from the vast scientific and commercial applications derived from them for decades.
In informal lab jargon, it can be used to mean 'to perform an experiment or test using HeLa cells' (e.g., 'Let's HeLa it first'). This is not standard formal English.
A specific, immortalized cell line used extensively in biological research, originally derived from a cervical cancer sample taken from Henrietta Lacks in 1951.
Hela cell is usually technical/academic in register.
Hela cell: in British English it is pronounced /ˈhiːlə ˌsɛl/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈhiːlə ˌsɛl/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “The HeLa of the lab world (meaning: the ubiquitous standard)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
HEr cells Live Always -> HeLa. Remember Henrietta Lacks, whose cells gave life to endless research.
Conceptual Metaphor
A WORKHORSE (of biomedical research); A FOUNDATION (for modern cell biology); A CONTAMINANT (when unwanted).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary reason HeLa cells are so widely used in research?