microsome

[mahy-kruh-sohm]

noun

Cell Biology.

1. a small inclusion, consisting of ribosomes and fragments of the endoplasmic reticulum and mitochondria, in the cytoplasm of a cell.

microsome

/ ˈmaɪkrəʊˌsəʊm /

noun

1. any of the small particles consisting of ribosomes and fragments of attached endoplasmic reticulum that can be isolated from cells by centrifugal action

Other Word Forms

• microsomal adjective
• microsomial adjective
• microsomic adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of microsome¹

First recorded in 1880–85; micro- + -some ³

Example Sentences

It has now, however, been clearly demonstrated as an active part of the cell and entirely distinct from the ordinary microsomes.

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It may be no larger than the minute granules or microsomes in the cell, and until recently it entirely escaped the notice of microscopists.

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It is immaterial for our purpose, however, whether the fibres are to be regarded as made up of microsomes or not.

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Shall it be the linin, or the liquids, or the microsomes, or the chromatin threads, or the centrosomes?

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It appears that the fibrous material is always marked by the presence of excessively minute bodies, which have been called by various names, but which we will speak of as microsomes.

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