Mutual algebraicity and cellularity

Abstract

We prove two results intended to streamline proofs about cellularity that pass through mutual algebraicity. First, we show that a countable structure M is cellular if and only if M is \(\omega \)-categorical and mutually algebraic. Second, if a countable structure M in a finite relational language is mutually algebraic non-cellular, we show it admits an elementary extension adding infinitely many infinite MA-connected components. Towards these results, we introduce MA-presentations of a mutually algebraic structure, in which every atomic formula is mutually algebraic. This allows for an improved quantifier elimination and a decomposition of the structure into independent pieces. We also show this decomposition is largely independent of the MA-presentation chosen.