ribosome

noun

ri·​bo·​some ˈrī-bə-ˌsōm 

: any of the RNA-rich cytoplasmic granules that are sites of protein synthesis see cell illustration

ribosomal

ˌrī-bə-ˈsō-məl 

adjective

Examples of ribosome in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

But the nucleus increased in volume, and the nucleolus — a structure involved in producing ribosomes — became smoother. — Stefanie Waldek, Space.com, 29 Sep. 2026

Instead, our study showed that a network of ribosome populations is sufficient. — Shiladitya Banerjee, The Conversation, 10 Sep. 2026

So, the researchers had two different populations of transfer RNAs, each compatible with a different population of ribosomes. — ArsTechnica, 26 Aug. 2026

To figure out how this break affected ribosome function, the researchers engineered it into Escherichia coli bacteria. — Cody Cottier, Scientific American, 29 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1958, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for ribosome

• acrosome
• aerodrome
• catacomb
• centrosome
• chromosome
• cytochrome
• hippodrome
• honeycomb
• liposome
• meerschaum
• metronome
• microtome

Kids Definition

ribosome

noun

ri·​bo·​some ˈrī-bə-ˌsōm 

: one of numerous small RNA-containing particles in a cell that are sites of protein synthesis

Medical Definition

ribosome

noun

ri·​bo·​some ˈrī-bə-ˌsōm 

: any of the RNA- and protein-rich cytoplasmic granules that are sites of protein synthesis

ribosomal

ˌrī-bə-ˈsō-məl 

adjective