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celda

cell

noun SEL-dah Rare

Origin: From Latin cella (small room, store).

Usage Note

Celda refers specifically to a prison cell or a monastic cell (a monk's room). It is not used for a biological cell — that is célula. The distinction is a frequent false friend for learners moving between biology and criminal-justice vocabulary.

Examples

"El prisionero pasó años en su celda."

Natural Translation

The prisoner spent years in his cell.

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