mitochondria

American  

[mahy-tuh-kon-dree-uh] / ˌmaɪ təˈkɒn dri ə /

plural noun

Cell Biology.

singular

mitochondrion

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

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Other Word Forms

• mitochondrial adjective

Etymology

Origin of mitochondria

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

Example Sentences

Instead, it responds to stress by damaging mitochondria and weakening HSC function over time.

From Science Daily • Apr. 16, 2026

Published in Nature Communications, the study focuses on the mitochondria, the "metabolic hub" of cells.

From Science Daily • Apr. 14, 2026

Mitochondrial pearling is a temporary shape change in which mitochondria form a structure that looks like beads on a string.

From Science Daily • Apr. 13, 2026

Scott has his eye on mitochondrial transplantation, in which healthy mitochondria, the cell’s minute, energy-producing structures, are transferred into cells to—theoretically—restore their ability to generate power and survive.

From Slate • Mar. 30, 2026

The location of the mitochondria within certain cells is eloquent of their function, since they are placed so that energy can be delivered precisely where it is needed.

From "Silent Spring" by Rachel Carson