organelle

noun

or·​gan·​elle ˌȯr-gə-ˈnel How to pronounce organelle (audio)
: 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
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Genetic testing shows that chloroplasts aren’t your typical organelles. Cody Cottier, Discover Magazine, 4 Nov. 2024 That branch of the eukaryotic family, freshly equipped with green organelles called chloroplasts, evolved into plants and other photosynthesizers. Quanta Magazine, 28 Oct. 2024 Inside cells are small compartments called organelles that perform specific functions essential for the cell’s survival and operation. Discover Magazine, 17 Oct. 2024 Within cells are organelles, or little organs, that do specific jobs. Trevor Grandpre, Scientific American, 14 Aug. 2024 See all Example Sentences for organelle 

Word History

Etymology

New Latin organella, from Latin organum

First Known Use

1915, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of organelle was in 1915

Dictionary Entries Near organelle

Cite this Entry

“Organelle.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/organelle. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

organelle

noun
or·​gan·​elle ˌȯr-gə-ˈnel How to pronounce organelle (audio)
: a structure (as a mitochondrion) in a cell that performs a special function

Medical Definition

organelle

noun
or·​gan·​elle ˌȯr-gə-ˈnel How to pronounce organelle (audio)
: a specialized cellular part (as a mitochondrion or nucleus) that has a specific function and is considered analogous to an organ

More from Merriam-Webster on organelle

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