peroxisome

noun

per·​ox·​i·​some pə-ˈräk-sə-ˌsōm How to pronounce peroxisome (audio)
: a cytoplasmic cell organelle containing enzymes (such as catalase) which act in oxidative reactions and especially in the production and decomposition of hydrogen peroxide
peroxisomal adjective

Word History

Etymology

peroxide + -some entry 3

First Known Use

1965, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of peroxisome was in 1965

Dictionary Entries Near peroxisome

Cite this Entry

“Peroxisome.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/peroxisome. Accessed 23 Apr. 2024.

Medical Definition

peroxisome

noun
per·​ox·​i·​some pə-ˈräk-sə-ˌsōm How to pronounce peroxisome (audio)
: a cytoplasmic cell organelle containing enzymes (as catalase) which act especially in the production and decomposition of hydrogen peroxide

called also microbody

peroxisomal adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on peroxisome

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!