microtubule
noun
mi·cro·tu·bule
ˌmī-krō-ˈtü-(ˌ)byül 
-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
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
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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
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.
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Medical Definition
microtubule
noun
mi·cro·tu·bule
ˌmī-krō-ˈt(y)ü-(ˌ)byü(ə)l
: 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
More from Merriam-Webster on microtubule
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about microtubule
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