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

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web 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 This particular bubble has a gas core and is coated with liposomes, or small spherical sacs, containing a drug. Jason Daley, Smithsonian, 14 Feb. 2018

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

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 27 Mar. 2023.

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

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