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

This potentially counteracts the oxidative stress even at the level of the tiny organelle. —Elizabeth Landau, Quanta Magazine, 19 May 2025

The organelles can fuse or break apart, which changes their shape and performance. —Elizabeth Landau, Quanta Magazine, 19 May 2025

Reactive oxygen Researchers are also looking more closely at mitochondria, the organelles in our cells that convert the energy found in fats and sugars into a form our cells can more easily use. —Tim Vernimmen, Smithsonian Magazine, 21 Mar. 2025

And often the organelles, like the mitochondria that are present in the cytoplasm, will rupture. —Steven Strogatz, Quanta Magazine, 5 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

New Latin organella, from Latin organum

First Known Use

1915, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for organelle

• bagatelle
• caravel
• carousel
• carrousel
• citadel
• clientele
• commonweal
• decibel
• demoiselle
• fontanelle
• infidel
• isabel

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