vacuole

/ˌvækjuˈoʊl/

Other forms: vacuoles

A cell is a tiny world of elements, one of which is the vacuole. Found in both plant and animal cells, a vacuole is a fluid-filled pocket in the cell's cytoplasm that serves varying functions depending on the cell's requirements.

Look at the word vacuole. Reminds you of "vacuum," doesn't it? That's because both words comes from the Latin word vacuus, which means "empty." In fact, vacuole comes from the French word that means "little vacuum." However, whereas a "vacuum" refers to an empty space, the vacuole usually contains a watery fluid. It is a space in the cell that has no specific purpose, but usually functions as a storage bin for everything from water and food to waste products.

Definitions of vacuole

1. noun

   a tiny cavity filled with fluid in the cytoplasm of a cell
   type of:

   bodily cavity, cavity, cavum

   (anatomy) a natural hollow or sinus within the body