desmosome

[ dez-muh-sohm ]

noun

, Cell Biology.

1. a plaquelike site on a cell surface that functions in maintaining cohesion with an adjacent cell.

desmosome

/ ˈdɛsməˌsəʊm /

noun

1. cytology a structure in the cell membranes of adjacent cells that binds them together

Word History and Origins

Origin of desmosome¹

1930–35; < Greek desm ( ós ) band, chain ( desmid ) + -o- + -some ²