cytoskeleton

noun

cy·​to·​skel·​e·​ton ˌsī-tə-ˈske-lə-tən 

: the network of protein filaments and microtubules in the cytoplasm that controls cell shape, maintains intracellular organization, and is involved in cell movement

cytoskeletal

ˌsī-tə-ˈske-lə-tᵊl 

adjective

Examples of cytoskeleton in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

In turn, the cytoskeleton relies on a type of actin protein, called filamentous or F-actin. —New Atlas, 2 Nov. 2024

Those cells reveal some eukaryote-like features (opens a new tab), such as a cytoskeleton built with the protein actin. —Quanta Magazine, 28 Oct. 2024

With their photograph, the two neuroscientists at Augusta University showed how disturbances to the structural framework of a cell, known as its cytoskeleton, can lead to diseases like Alzheimer’s and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). —Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 21 Oct. 2024

This includes a framework called the cytoskeleton that gives the cell its shape. —Paul Smaglik, Discover Magazine, 3 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1936, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for cytoskeleton

• exoskeleton
• gelatin
• skeleton

Medical Definition

cytoskeleton

noun

cy·​to·​skel·​e·​ton ˌsīt-ō-ˈskel-ət-ᵊn 

: the network of protein filaments and microtubules in the cytoplasm that controls cell shape, maintains intracellular organization, and is involved in cell movement

cytoskeletal

-ᵊl 

adjective