centrosome

noun

cen·​tro·​some ˈsen-trə-ˌsōm How to pronounce centrosome (audio)
1
2
: the centriole-containing region of clear cytoplasm adjacent to the cell nucleus

Examples of centrosome in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web During the cell cycle, centrosomes double in size, split into two, then move to opposite sides of the cell. Trevor Grandpre, Scientific American, 14 Aug. 2024 Then each centrosome sends a cascade of delicate fibers toward the center of the nucleus, where the chromosomes have already copied themselves and paired off in an orderly manner. Elizabeth Preston, Discover Magazine, 10 Jan. 2012 Clearly the centrosome, which shuttles around chromosomes like a chaperone on a school field trip, is important to cell division. Elizabeth Preston, Discover Magazine, 10 Jan. 2012 The story should stop there, because the virus needs a special key to move past the centrosome. USA Today, 23 May 2022

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'centrosome.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary

First Known Use

1895, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of centrosome was in 1895

Dictionary Entries Near centrosome

Cite this Entry

“Centrosome.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/centrosome. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

centrosome

noun
cen·​tro·​some ˈsen-trə-ˌsōm How to pronounce centrosome (audio)
1
2
: the region of a cell that is located next to the nucleus and contains the centrioles

Medical Definition

centrosome

noun
cen·​tro·​some ˈsen-trə-ˌsōm How to pronounce centrosome (audio)
1
2
: the centriole-containing region of clear cytoplasm adjacent to the cell nucleus
centrosomic adjective

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