liposome

noun

li·​po·​some ˈlī-pə-ˌsōm How to pronounce liposome (audio) ˈli- How to pronounce liposome (audio)
: an artificial vesicle composed of one or more concentric phospholipid bilayers and used especially to deliver microscopic substances (such as drugs or DNA) to body cells
liposomal adjective

Examples of liposome in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Importantly, this work joins a body of developing in vivo delivery advances aiming to transform the gene therapy landscape, including non-enveloped viral vectors, liposomes, and lipid nanoparticle technology popularized during the COVID-19 pandemic. William A. Haseltine, Forbes, 14 Feb. 2024 But there are other vectors beyond viruses—for instance, fatty spheres called liposomes (like the ones used for mRNA COVID vaccines). Doug Johnson, Ars Technica, 5 Jan. 2023 The retinal, on the other hand, appears in the form of liposomes for better penetration and delivery of the vitamin A derivative, Dr. Koh shares. Devon Abelman, Allure, 9 Aug. 2023 Pros Warm, pleasant scent Nourishes hair at the root This set from Scotch and Porter features ingredients including biotin liposomes, burdock root, and white willow to condition and moisturize your beard. Joseph Cheatham, Men's Health, 30 June 2023 These specialized liposomes serve as a protective shield for NAD⁺, NMN, and NR, safeguarding them from digestive enzymes and facilitating their precise systemic delivery through the bloodstream. 5. Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 11 June 2023 Using compounds derived from methane, the researchers described a way to create a liposome — a barrier surrounding cells that's necessary for their survival — that could lead to biological life well-adapted for Titan's minus 290 degrees Fahrenheit climate. Nathaniel Scharping, Discover Magazine, 21 May 2016 In the three decades since, researchers have repeatedly demonstrated that liposomes can transport DNA repair enzymes into skin cells. Robbie Gonzalez, WIRED, 2 July 2018 Soon, researchers were using liposomes to smuggle DNA repair enzymes into the skin cells of human test subjects. Robbie Gonzalez, WIRED, 2 July 2018

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'liposome.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1968, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of liposome was in 1968

Dictionary Entries Near liposome

Cite this Entry

“Liposome.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/liposome. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Medical Definition

liposome

noun
li·​po·​some ˈlip-ə-ˌsōm How to pronounce liposome (audio) ˈlī-pə- How to pronounce liposome (audio)
1
: one of the fatty droplets in the cytoplasm of a cell
2
: an artificial vesicle that is composed of one or more concentric phospholipid bilayers and is used especially to deliver microscopic substances (as DNA or drugs) to body cells
liposomal adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on liposome

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