spinous cell

noun

A type of keratinocyte in the stratum spinosum layer of the epidermis, known for its spiny, interconnected appearance due to numerous desmosomes, which are strong cell junctions that provide skin strength and flexibility; these cells produce keratin and are vital for skin protection, forming a protective net-like layer over underlying tissues; can become malignant if mutated by sunlight.

Similar
prickle cell
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Meanings

nounspinous cell (plural spinous cells)

plural spinous cells

  1. biologyA type of keratinocyte in the stratum spinosum layer of the epidermis, known for its spiny, interconnected appearance due to numerous desmosomes, which are strong cell junctions that provide skin strength and flexibility; these cells produce keratin and are vital for skin protection, forming a protective net-like layer over underlying tissues; can become malignant if mutated by sunlight.

    Synonyms: prickle cell

Synonyms & antonyms

nounA type of keratinocyte in the stratum spinosum layer of the epidermis, known for its spiny, interconnected appearance due to numerous desmosomes, which are strong cell junctions that provide skin strength and flexibility; these cells produce keratin and are vital for skin protection, forming a protective net-like layer over underlying tissues; can become malignant if mutated by sunlight.

Similar
prickle cell
Also see
prickle cell

Origin

From spinous + cell.

Full word history & related roots →
Cite this entry
APA

spinous cell. (n.d.). In WatkinsX Dictionary. Retrieved November 4, 2026, from https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/spinous%20cell

MLA

“spinous cell.” WatkinsX Dictionary, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/spinous%20cell. Accessed November 4, 2026.

Chicago

WatkinsX Dictionary, s.v. “spinous cell,” accessed November 4, 2026, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/spinous%20cell.

Source: spinous cell on Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0.