centriole: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Technical/Scientific
Quick answer
What does “centriole” mean?
A small, cylindrical organelle in animal cells that plays a crucial role in organising microtubules for cell division (mitosis/meiosis).
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A small, cylindrical organelle in animal cells that plays a crucial role in organising microtubules for cell division (mitosis/meiosis).
In cell biology, a paired structure, typically found near the nucleus, that forms the core of the centrosome and serves as a microtubule organising centre; involved in forming the mitotic spindle and the basal bodies of cilia and flagella.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical, spelling, or grammatical differences. Pronunciation and technical usage are identical across varieties.
Connotations
Identical technical connotations in scientific discourse.
Frequency
Exclusively used in academic/technical biology contexts in both varieties. No discernible difference in frequency.
Grammar
How to Use “centriole” in a Sentence
The centriole duplicates before mitosis.The centriole acts as a template.A pair of centrioles forms the centrosome.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “centriole” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The centriole must duplicate before the cell can divide.
American English
- The centriole must duplicate before the cell can divide.
adverb
British English
- The structures were arranged centriolarly, radiating from the core.
American English
- The structures were arranged centriolarly, radiating from the core.
adjective
British English
- The centriolar duplication cycle is tightly regulated.
- Centriolar abnormalities can lead to disease.
American English
- The centriolar duplication cycle is tightly regulated.
- Centriolar defects can cause ciliopathies.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Exclusively used in advanced biology textbooks, research papers, and lectures on cell biology, genetics, and developmental biology.
Everyday
Virtually never used in everyday conversation.
Technical
The primary context. Used in laboratory reports, scientific discussions, and technical manuals related to cellular and molecular biology.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “centriole”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “centriole”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “centriole”
- Using 'centriole' to refer to the entire centrosome.
- Pluralising as 'centriols' (correct plural: 'centrioles').
- Using it to describe plant cell division (most plant cells lack centrioles).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. They are a feature of most animal cells and some other eukaryotic groups, but they are absent in higher plants and fungi.
The centriole is the cylindrical structure made of microtubule triplets. The centrosome is the broader organelle that contains a pair of centrioles surrounded by pericentriolar material.
Yes. Defects in centriole structure, number, or function are linked to a range of diseases called ciliopathies, as well as cancer and microcephaly.
A non-dividing animal cell usually contains one centrosome with two centrioles. Before division, they duplicate, so a cell about to divide has four centrioles (two pairs).
A small, cylindrical organelle in animal cells that plays a crucial role in organising microtubules for cell division (mitosis/meiosis).
Centriole is usually technical/scientific in register.
Centriole: in British English it is pronounced /ˈsɛntrɪəʊl/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈsɛntriˌoʊl/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None. The term is purely technical.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a CENTRal rOLE: the centriole plays a central role in organising the cell for division.
Conceptual Metaphor
AN ARCHITECT'S BLUEPRINT / A NAVIGATION CENTRE (organises and directs the construction of the cell's internal scaffolding for division).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary function of a centriole?