ek-struh-SEL-yuh-lur
/ˌɛkstɹəˈsɛljəlɚ/
extracellular is pronounced ek-struh-SEL-yuh-lur (/ˌɛkstɹəˈsɛljəlɚ/). extracellular refers to the region outside a cell or within the extracellular space, not inside the cell membrane. It describes fluids, matrices, or environments external to the cell that influence signaling, transport, and interactions with the surrounding milieu. The term is widely used in biology and biochemistry to contrast intracellular environments with extracellular contexts.
extracellular refers to the region outside a cell or within the extracellular space, not inside the cell membrane. It describes fluids, matrices, or environments external to the cell that influence signaling, transport, and interactions with the surrounding milieu. The term is widely used in biology and biochemistry to contrast intracellular environments with extracellular contexts.
- Common mistakes: • Under-emphasizing the stressed syllable (you’ll say ex-TRA-se-llar instead of ek-strə-SEL-yə-lər). Focus on the /ˌek.strəˈsɛl.jə.lər/ pattern and the perceptible /sel/ followed by /jə/ before the final /lər/. • Mispronouncing the /tr/ cluster—avoid merging into a simple /t/ or a weak /tr/ that sinks; aim for a clean /kstr/ sequence after ex- and maintain the é sound in /ˈɛ/. • Slurring syllables; keep segments distinct at first, then blend. • Final syllable confusion; don’t swallow the /ər/; keep it as a light schwa plus r. Corrections: break into chunks, practice unlinked, then link with gentle accelerations.
"The extracellular matrix provides structural support to tissues."
"Researchers measured the concentration of salts in the extracellular fluid."
"Extracellular vesicles play a key role in intercellular communication."
Pronounced /ˌek.strəˈsɛl.jə.lər/ in US and UK standards, with primary stress on the third syllable “sel.” Break it into ex-tra-ce-llu-lar, emphasizing the “cel” as /ˈsɛl/ and the final “ar” as /ər/. In careful speech, you may hear /ˌek.strəˈsɛl.jəˌlɚ/ in some dialects. Practice: ex-TRUH-seh-LYOO-lar, then smooth to /ˌek.strəˈsɛl.jə.lər/ for natural flow.
Common errors: (1) Stressing the wrong syllable, saying ex-TRAH-ceel-uh-lar or ek-struh-huh-lar; (2) Slurring the -cell- and -lar endings together, yielding an indistinct /ˈsɛl.jə.lər/; (3) Beginning with a wrong vowel in the second syllable. Correction: place primary stress on the third syllable: ek-strə-SEL-yə-lər, and clearly separate /sɛl/ from the following /jə/ and /lər/. Practice slow enunciation of each part and then blend.
In US English, the /ˌek.strəˈsɛl.jə.lər/ with rhotic r at the end. UK often uses /ˌek.strəˈsel.i.ə.lə/ with less prominent final r in non-rhotic speech. Australian tends to a clear /ˌek.strəˈsel.jə.lə/ with a slightly flatter vowel in the first syllables and a quick, smooth /lə/ ending. Key pitch‑accent differences: US segments more musical on stress peak; UK may show tighter /ˈsel/ with shorter /l/; AU can reduce the final syllable more, listening closer to /lɑː/ depending on speaker. IPA references help anchor the exact vowels.
It combines a long, multi-syllable word with a tricky cluster: /kstr/ at the start, the /ˌek.strə/ prefix, and the mid-word /ˈsɛl.jə/ sequence, plus the final /lər/ or /lə/. The secondary stress sits on -sel-, which may be mis‑placed. Fast, natural speech often blurs boundaries between syllables. Focus on clearly articulating /ˈsɛl/ and the subsequent /jə/ before the final /lər/; pause slightly between syllables in careful speech to avoid blending.
No. Every syllable carries a pronounceable segment: ex - tra - ce - llar. The tricky part is not silent letters but the accurate realization of the syllable boundaries and the vowel qualities in the middle. Ensuring you voice the /ˈsɛl/ clearly and link to the following /jə/ without swallowing the /ə/ reduces slurring and improves intelligibility.
🗣️ Voice search tip: These questions are optimized for voice search. Try asking your voice assistant any of these questions about "extracellular"!
- US: rhotic final /ɹ/ and fuller vowel in /æ/ vs /e/; pronounce /ˈsɛl.jə.lɚ/ with a perceptible retrusive /ɹ/ in final. IPA: /ˌɛk.strəˈsɛl.jə.lɚ/ - UK: non-rhotic, final /lə/ often weaker; /ˌek.strəˈsel.i.ə.lə/; AU: more relaxed vowels; /ˌek.strəˈsel.jə.lə/ with clearer /j/ in the middle and light /ə/ vowels across. Vowel nuances: first syllable /ˈɛ/ vs /ˈe/ in some regions; /ə/ reduced in fast speech; /ɪ/ vs /ɛ/ differences minimal but audible in careful speech. Practice with IPA references and mirror mouth positions.
Extracellular originates from the combination of Latin extra- meaning outside or beyond, and the Greek kystis meaning a cell or bladder? Wait, the classical breakdown is extra- (outside) + cellular (cellular). The word extracellular first entered scientific English in the early 20th century as microscopists and physiologists described fluids and spaces located outside cells. The suffix -ar means relating to; -eous is an adjective-forming suffix. The term became standard in discussions of tissue biology, biochemistry, and physiology as scientists distinguished intracellular spaces from extracellular spaces and fluids. The phrase “extracellular matrix” became common as researchers described the network of proteins and polysaccharides surrounding cells. Today, extracellular is widely used across biomedicine, including extracellular fluid (ECF), extracellular matrix (ECM), and extracellular signaling, reflecting the central idea of compounds, fluids, or structures that reside outside the cell boundary but influence cell behavior and tissue function.
💡 Etymology tip: Understanding word origins can help you remember pronunciation patterns and recognize related words in the same language family.
Help others use "extracellular" correctly by contributing grammar tips, common mistakes, and context guidance.
💡 These words have similar meanings to "extracellular" and can often be used interchangeably.
🔄 These words have opposite meanings to "extracellular" and show contrast in usage.
📚 Vocabulary tip: Learning synonyms and antonyms helps you understand nuanced differences in meaning and improves your word choice in speaking and writing.
Words that rhyme with "extracellular"
-ral sounds
-ial sounds
Practice with these rhyming pairs to improve your pronunciation consistency:
🎵 Rhyme tip: Practicing with rhyming words helps you master similar sound patterns and improves your overall pronunciation accuracy.
