Cell Component
vacuole Audio
vac·u·ole [ vak-yoo-ohl ]
Subclass of:
Cytoplasmic Vesicles
Etymology:
Latin vacuus = an empty space + French ole = diminutive suffix
Hence a small, empty space, as in the protoplasm of a cell. The words vacuum and vacant come from this same root.
Definitions related to vacuole:
  • A closed structure, found only in eukaryotic cells, that is completely surrounded by unit membrane and contains liquid material. Cells contain one or several vacuoles, that may have different functions from each other. Vacuoles have a diverse array of functions. They can act as a storage organelle for nutrients or waste products, as a degradative compartment, as a cost-effective way of increasing cell size, and as a homeostatic regulator controlling both turgor pressure and pH of the cytosol.
    Gene Ontology Dictionary
    Gene Ontology Consortium, 2021
  • Any membrane-enclosed spaces or cavities within a cell.
    NCI
    U.S. National Cancer Institute, 2021
  • Any spaces or cavities within a cell. They may function in digestion, storage, secretion, or excretion.
    NLM Medical Subject Headings
    U.S. National Library of Medicine, 2025
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This content should not be used in place of medically-reviewed decision support reference material or professional medical advice. Some terms may have alternate or updated definitions not reflected in this set. The definitions on this page should not be considered complete or up to date.