tubule

noun

tu·​bule ˈtü-(ˌ)byül 

ˈtyü-

: a small tube

especially : a slender elongated anatomical channel

Examples of tubule in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Inside, the testicle is full of small, packed tubules called seminiferous tubules, where sperm is produced. — Dr. Jamin Brahmbhatt, CNN Money, 25 June 2026

Experts suspect that the toxins of lilies are quickly absorbed into the cat’s bloodstream and damage the epithelial cells of the renal tubules, which are the long, narrow tubes of nephrons, the structural and functional units of kidneys. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 15 May 2026

Other medications act like poison, killing kidney tubule cells, which help to filter wastes and reabsorb nutrients. — Jyoti Madhusoodanan, Scientific American, 17 Mar. 2026

Protein in urine—especially albumin—can be toxic to the kidney tubules, which transfer waste from the glomeruli to your urine. — Md Published, Verywell Health, 12 Jan. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Latin tubulus, diminutive of tubus

First Known Use

1677, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing tubule

• collecting tubule
• connecting tubule
• convoluted tubule
• distal convoluted tubule
• Malpighian tubule
• proximal convoluted tubule
• seminiferous tubule

Rhymes for tubule

• microtubule

Kids Definition

tubule

noun

tu·​bule ˈt(y)ü-(ˌ)byü(ə)l 

: a small tube

especially : a long slender channel in the body of a living thing

Medical Definition

tubule

noun

tu·​bule ˈt(y)ü-(ˌ)byü(ə)l 

: a small tube

especially : a slender elongated anatomical channel