centriole

noun

cen·tri·ole ˈsen-trē-ˌōl

: one of a pair of cellular organelles that occur especially in animals, are found near the nucleus, function in the formation of the spindle (see spindle entry 1 sense 2a) fibers during cell division, and consist of a cylinder with nine microtubules arranged peripherally in a circle see cell illustration

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web Larger cells lack flagella and instead use the centrioles full time for cell division. —

Elizabeth Pennisi, Science | AAAS, 28 June 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'centriole.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Word History

Etymology

German Zentriol, from Zentrum center

First Known Use

1895, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of centriole was in 1895

See more words from the same year

Cite this Entry

Style

“Centriole.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/centriole. Accessed 21 Mar. 2023.

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Kids Definition

centriole

noun

cen·tri·ole ˈsen-trē-ˌōl

: one of a pair of minute bodies that are located next to the nucleus of a cell, are important in cell division, and consist of a cylinder-shaped central part surrounded by a circle of nine tiny tubes

Medical Definition

centriole

noun

cen·tri·ole ˈsen-trē-ˌōl

: one of a pair of cellular organelles that occur especially in animals, are found near the nucleus, function in the formation of the spindle apparatus during cell division, and consist of a cylinder with nine microtubules arranged peripherally in a circle