mitochondria

[ mahy-tuh-kon-dree-uh ]

plural noun

, Cell Biology.

, singular mi·to·chon·dri·on [mahy-t, uh, -, kon, -dree-, uh, n].

1. organelles that are found in the cytoplasm of cells and that function in energy production.

Other Words From

• mi·to·chon·dri·al adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of mitochondria¹

First recorded in 1900–05; from German Mitochondrion (singular), equivalent to Greek míto(s) “thread” + chóndr(os) “grain, seed, cartilage” + -ia plural of diminutive suffix -ion