1 : a small cavity or space in the tissues of an organism containing air or fluid. 2 : a cavity or vesicle in the cytoplasm of a cell usually containing fluid — see cell illustration. Other Words from vacuole Example Sentences Learn More About vacuole.

What do vacuole means?

A vacuole is a membrane-bound cell organelle. In animal cells, vacuoles are generally small and help sequester waste products. In plant cells, vacuoles help maintain water balance.

Where did the name vacuole come from?

The name vacuole has its origins in the Latin word vacuus meaning 'empty' and this unfortunately is how vacuoles appear in many slide preparations and photographs. The fact that vacuoles are fluid filled and that different vacuoles within the same cell can contain different chemicals is not normally visible.