* Colony - This is commonly used for groups of bacteria or other single-celled organisms.
* Culture - Often used to refer to a group of cells grown in a laboratory setting.
* Population - A more general term that can be used for any group of cells.
* Cluster - This term emphasizes the close proximity of the cells.
* Mass - This term is used when referring to a large number of cells, often in a tissue or organ.
Ultimately, the best collective noun to use will depend on the context and the specific type of cells you are referring to.