Cellularly

Part of speech: adverb

Definitions

1. In a manner associated with the characteristics and processes of cells, especially regarding biological systems and their functions
2. Relating to the distinctive qualities and activities of cells, particularly in the context of living organisms and their biological operations
3. Done in a way that involves or relates to the structures and functions of living cells

Etymology: "Cellularly" is simply "cellular" with the adverbial suffix "-ly" attached, so it means "in a cellular manner." The base word "cellular" comes from Latin "cellula," a diminutive of "cella," meaning a small room or storeroom, which is why biologists borrowed the image of a tiny enclosed compartment when they named the basic units of living tissue. The "-ly" ending, from Old English "-lic," is one of the most productive ways English turns an adjective into an adverb, so "cellularly" follows the same pattern as "biologically" or "chemically."