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micronucleus

American

[mahy-kroh-noo-klee-uhs, -nyoo-] / ˌmaɪ kroʊˈnu kli əs, -ˈnyu- /

noun

Biology.

plural

micronuclei

the smaller of the two types of nuclei occurring in ciliate protozoans.

micronucleus British

/ ˌmaɪkrəʊˈnjuːklɪəs /

noun

the smaller of two nuclei in ciliated protozoans, involved in reproduction Compare macronucleus

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

micronuclear adjective

Etymology

Origin of micronucleus

First recorded in 1890–95; micro- + nucleus

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

If the algorithm detects a cell with a micronucleus, it sends the location to the microscope.

From Science Daily • Mar. 10, 2026

When a micronucleus ruptures, the chromosome inside is left exposed.

From Science Daily • Feb. 16, 2026

The micronucleus is essential for sexual reproduction, whereas the macronucleus directs asexual binary fission and all other biological functions.

From Textbooks • Jan. 1, 2015

Each Paramecium has a macronucleus and a micronucleus.

From Textbooks • Jan. 1, 2015

The macronucleus is spherical, centrally placed, and with one micronucleus closely applied.

From Marine Protozoa from Woods Hole Bulletin of the United States Fish Commission 21:415-468, 1901 by Calkins, Gary N. (Gary Nathan)

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023