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

Derived Forms

• ˌmicroˈsomal, adjective

Other Words From

• micro·somal micro·somi·al micro·somic adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of microsome¹

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