organelle

noun

or·​gan·​elle ˌȯr-gə-ˈnel 

: a specialized cellular part (such as a mitochondrion, chloroplast, or nucleus) that has a specific function and is considered analogous to an organ

Examples of organelle in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

With Biggest ‘Supermoon’ Of 2024 In the architecture of cells, carbon compounds form the delicate membranes and organelles that encapsulate life. —Sahit Muja, Forbes, 17 Oct. 2024

Mitochondria are organelles that produce chemical energy for cells, but during T cell exhaustion these little batteries can be lost or damaged. —Michael Irving, New Atlas, 20 Sep. 2024

Under a microscope, biomolecular condensates look like tiny objects adrift in a sea of cytoplasm packed with organelles and other structures. —Trevor Grandpre, Scientific American, 14 Aug. 2024

Not all organelles have membranes, and over the past decade biologists have come to realize that membraneless organelles—such as tiny droplets of concentrated protein or other biomolecules—may be more plentiful and carry out more diverse tasks in cell function than was previously realized. —Trevor Grandpre, Scientific American, 14 Aug. 2024

Word History

Etymology

New Latin organella, from Latin organum

First Known Use

1915, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

organelle

noun

or·​gan·​elle ˌȯr-gə-ˈnel 

: a structure (as a mitochondrion) in a cell that performs a special function

Medical Definition

organelle

noun

or·​gan·​elle ˌȯr-gə-ˈnel 

: a specialized cellular part (as a mitochondrion or nucleus) that has a specific function and is considered analogous to an organ