organelle

[ awr-guh-nel, awr-guh-nel ]

noun

1. Cell Biology. a specialized part of a cell having some specific function; a cell organ.

organelle

/ ˌɔːɡəˈnɛl /

noun

1. a structural and functional unit, such as a mitochondrion, in a cell or unicellular organism

organelle

/ ôr′gə-nĕl′ /

1. A structure or part that is enclosed within its own membrane inside a cell and has a particular function. Organelles are found only in eukaryotic cells and are absent from the cells of prokaryotes such as bacteria. The nucleus, the mitochondrion, the chloroplast, the Golgi apparatus, the lysosome, and the endoplasmic reticulum are all examples of organelles. Some organelles, such as mitochondria and chloroplasts, have their own genome (genetic material) separate from that found in the nucleus of the cell. Such organelles are thought to have their evolutionary origin in symbiotic bacteria or other organisms that have become a permanent part of the cell.

Word History and Origins

Origin of organelle¹

1905–10; < New Latin organella, diminutive of Latin organum organ; -elle

Word History and Origins

Origin of organelle¹

C20: from New Latin organella, from Latin organum: see organ

Example Sentences

An organelle is a structure inside a cell that has a specific job.

From Science News For Students

It’s not clear yet how frequently this kind of horizontal genome transfer through organelle migration occurs in nature.

From Quanta Magazine

Once inside the cell, an organelle called a ribosome reads the mRNA sequence and translates it into a protein.

From Popular-Science

When these energy-producing organelles are exposed to altered gravity or radiation, they essentially malfunction.

From Popular-Science

This is a specialized structure, or organelle, in a plant cell.

From Science News For Students

But this soft and greedy subversive organelle is no match for the brilliance of our scientists!

From The Daily Beast