A vacuole is a membrane-bound organelle which is present in all plant and fungal cells and some protist, animal and bacterial cells. Vacuoles are essentially enclosed compartments which are filled with water containing inorganic and organic molecules including enzymes in solution, though in certain cases they may contain solids which have been engulfed.
Figurative is something that shouldn't be taking literally. For example, when you say "I have a ton of homework" you don't really mean you have 2000 pounds of homework.
