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Glite Dictionary
gustatory cell

gustatory cell

8.6
A cell in a taste bud that senses chemicals mixed in saliva and sends signals to nerves
  • noun
  • /ˈɡʌstəˌtɔri sɛl/
  • Specialized
translation icon : célula gustativa
  • The tongue is covered in taste buds, each containing several gustatory cells that respond to different flavors.

Examples

  • Damage to the gustatory cells can result in a diminished ability to detect certain tastes.

  • Scientists studied the structure of gustatory cells to better understand how taste is perceived.

  • A gustatory cell is essential for tasting food.

  • The gustatory cells in our taste buds help us enjoy flavors.

  • The tongue is covered in taste buds, each containing several gustatory cells that respond to different flavors.

  • Damage to the gustatory cells can result in a diminished ability to detect certain tastes.

  • The gustatory cells play a key role in how we perceive sweetness and bitterness in food.

Synonyms

taste cell
vsgustatory cell
  • Specialized
5.1

A cell on the tongue that senses chemicals in food and sends signals to nerves

has identical meaning but is the technical name used in science

Surface Forms

gustatory cell singular
gustatory cells plural

Morphology

gustatory + cell

The meaning is directly compositional: 'gustatory' = related to tasting and 'cell' = a microscopic living unit, so 'gustatory cell' straightforwardly denotes a cell involved in taste. Although somewhat technical, the semantic relation is predictable and would be understandable to learners who know both constituent words.

Etymology

Gustatory cell The name gustatory cell comes from a word that means 'to taste' and the word cell, so it literally names a tiny gustatory cell that helps you 'taste'. Picture small sensors in each taste bud touching food and sending messages about 'flavor', which is why it means a cell that detects taste.