microtubule

noun

mi·​cro·​tu·​bule ˌmī-krō-ˈtü-(ˌ)byül How to pronounce microtubule (audio)
-ˈtyü-
: any of the minute tubules in eukaryotic cytoplasm that are composed of the protein tubulin and form an important component of the cytoskeleton, mitotic spindle, cilia, and flagella
microtubular adjective

Examples of microtubule in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web The drug binds to the protein tubulin in cells, preventing it from forming into microtubules, which are vital structural components of cells. Beth Mole, Ars Technica, 27 Oct. 2023 Our cells’ overall structures are supported by microtubules, hollow tubes that give cells their shape. Amber Jorgenson, Discover Magazine, 17 Oct. 2019 Along with another protein called tubulin, tau binds to these microtubules to keep them strong and stabilized. Amber Jorgenson, Discover Magazine, 17 Oct. 2019 These units assemble themselves into chains, forming the microtubule. Steve Volk, Discover Magazine, 1 Mar. 2018 Bandyopadhyay inserted the needle into a rat neuron to view the microtubule. Steve Volk, Discover Magazine, 1 Mar. 2018 Within these boundaries, the microtubules organized themselves, ultimately producing compartments that closely resembled those formed under the guidance of sperm centrosomes. Quanta Magazine, 2 Jan. 2020 Specifically, adding a GTP (guanosine triphosphate) monomer to a microtubule corresponds to a car parking after the right-most car in the idealized lot. Jennifer Ouellette, Wired, 3 Oct. 2019 Specifically, adding a GTP (guanosine triphosphate) monomer to a microtubule corresponds to a car parking after the rightmost car in the idealized lot. Jennifer Ouellette, Ars Technica, 26 Sep. 2019 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'microtubule.' 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

1961, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of microtubule was in 1961

Dictionary Entries Near microtubule

Cite this Entry

“Microtubule.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/microtubule. Accessed 8 Dec. 2023.

Medical Definition

microtubule

noun
mi·​cro·​tu·​bule ˌmī-krō-ˈt(y)ü-(ˌ)byü(ə)l How to pronounce microtubule (audio)
: any of the minute tubules in eukaryotic cytoplasm that are composed of the protein tubulin and form an important component of the cytoskeleton, mitotic spindle, cilia, and flagella
microtubular adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on microtubule

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