lysosome

noun

ly·​so·​some ˈlī-sə-ˌsōm 

: a saclike cellular organelle that contains various hydrolytic enzymes see cell illustration

lysosomal

ˌlī-sə-ˈsō-məl 

adjective

Examples of lysosome in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

This enzyme is active in lysosomes, which are structures inside cells that act as recycling centers. —Samantha Agate, Kansas City Star, 6 May 2026

And sure enough, the analysis showed damage to the cardiac mitochondria, which power the cells, and oversize lysosomes, which help break down cellular material. —Jeanna Bryner, Scientific American, 4 May 2026

This likely relates to additional functions that specific lysosomes have, such as sensing nutrients and repairing broken membranes. —Katarina Zimmer, JSTOR Daily, 14 Aug. 2025

In fact, real-time imaging revealed eggs jettisoning lysosomes into the surrounding fluid, while their mitochondria and proteasomes simultaneously migrate to the outer rim of the cells. —Ian Randall, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 Aug. 2025

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary lys- + -some entry 3

First Known Use

1955, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

lysosome

noun

ly·​so·​some ˈlī-sə-ˌsōm 

: a saclike organelle that contains enzymes which can break down materials (as food particles and waste) within a cell

Medical Definition

lysosome

noun

ly·​so·​some ˈlī-sə-ˌsōm 

: a saclike cellular organelle that contains various hydrolytic enzymes

lysosomal

ˌlī-sə-ˈsō-məl 

adjective

lysosomally

-mə-lē 

adverb