Definition of: micelle

(mi·sel′)
1. Biol. One of the theoretical structural units which are said to make up organized bodies.
2. Chem. The structural unit of a colloid, composed of an aggregate of molecules having crystalline properties and able to change in size without chemical alteration. Also mi·cell′, mi·cel′la (-sel′ə). [<NL micella, dim. of L mica crumb, grain]
—mi·cel′lar adjective