Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

cel

noun

/sɛl/

Definition

A cel is a thin sheet of transparent plastic used in animation.

Examples

Animators use cels to create fluid motion in animated films.
In traditional animation, each cel can represent just one frame of a character’s movement.
Many collectors seek vintage cels from classic animations like ‘Snow White’ or ‘Bambi.’

Meaning

The term ‘cel’ originates from ‘celluloid,’ and it refers to the frames of animation that artists paint or draw on. Each cel is placed over a static background to create the final animated scene.