memory cell: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1formal, scientific, technical
Quick answer
What does “memory cell” mean?
A specialized cell in the immune system that retains the 'memory' of a previous infection, enabling a faster and stronger response if the same pathogen is encountered again.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A specialized cell in the immune system that retains the 'memory' of a previous infection, enabling a faster and stronger response if the same pathogen is encountered again.
In computing, a physical electronic device (e.g., in a memory chip) that stores a single bit of data. In a more figurative sense, any small, discrete unit that stores or retains information.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in definition or usage. Spelling conventions (e.g., 'immunise' vs. 'immunize') may apply in surrounding text.
Connotations
Purely technical/scientific in both varieties.
Frequency
Equally common in academic/technical contexts in both regions.
Grammar
How to Use “memory cell” in a Sentence
Memory cells are generated by...The memory cell retained the information.Vaccination aims to create memory cells against the virus.Each memory cell stores a single bit.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “memory cell” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The immune system must first be primed to memory cell the antigen.
- The process aims to memory-cell the response.
American English
- The vaccine protocols are designed to memory cell the antigen effectively.
- Researchers are trying to memory-cell the immune reaction.
adverb
British English
- The pathogen was recognised memory-celly.
- The system reacted memory-cell-like.
American English
- The immune system reacted almost memory cell-ly.
- The data was stored memory-cell-style.
adjective
British English
- The memory-cell response was notably robust.
- We observed a memory-cell phenotype.
American English
- The memory cell response was rapid and effective.
- They identified a memory cell lineage.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in biotech or semiconductor industries.
Academic
Core terminology in immunology, biology, and computer engineering.
Everyday
Very rare; used only when explaining vaccines or computer hardware.
Technical
Primary domain of use in immunology and computer architecture.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “memory cell”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “memory cell”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “memory cell”
- Using 'memory cell' to refer to a brain neuron (incorrect; use 'neuron' or 'nerve cell').
- Assuming it is always a computing term when the context is biology.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. In standard terminology, a 'memory cell' refers to an immune system cell or a computing component. Brain cells involved in memory are called 'neurons'.
Yes. Memory cells are often formed after a mild or even asymptomatic infection, or after vaccination, providing protection without you having been noticeably ill.
Some memory cells can last for decades or even a lifetime, which is the basis for long-term immunity, though duration varies by pathogen and individual.
They are analogous in function (storing information for later recall) but are completely different in nature: one is a biological entity, the other an electronic circuit. The term is used metaphorically across fields.
A specialized cell in the immune system that retains the 'memory' of a previous infection, enabling a faster and stronger response if the same pathogen is encountered again.
Memory cell is usually formal, scientific, technical in register.
Memory cell: in British English it is pronounced /ˈmem.ər.i sel/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈmem.ər.i sel/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “The body's library of memory cells”
- “A living record in the form of memory cells”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a 'memory cell' as a tiny librarian in your immune system. After reading a book (a pathogen) once, the librarian remembers it perfectly and can quickly find it again to fight it off.
Conceptual Metaphor
IMMUNITY IS A RECORD-KEEPING SYSTEM; MEMORY IS A STORAGE CONTAINER.
Practice
Quiz
In which field is the term 'memory cell' NOT a standard technical term?