centrosome: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1+Technical/Scientific
Quick answer
What does “centrosome” mean?
An organelle in the cytoplasm of animal cells that organizes microtubules and is involved in cell division.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
An organelle in the cytoplasm of animal cells that organizes microtubules and is involved in cell division.
A structure that serves as the main microtubule organizing center (MTOC) of the cell, regulating cell shape, polarity, motility, and division.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or spelling; identical in both dialects.
Connotations
Neutral scientific term in both dialects.
Frequency
Equally low frequency outside academic biology texts in both dialects.
Grammar
How to Use “centrosome” in a Sentence
[The] centrosome [verb e.g., duplicates, functions, divides]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “centrosome” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- centrosomal
- centrosomic
American English
- centrosomal
- centrosomic
Usage
Meaning in Context
Academic
Used in cell biology papers and textbooks to describe the structure responsible for spindle formation.
Technical
Essential term in cell biology, genetics, and pathology discussions.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “centrosome”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “centrosome”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “centrosome”
- Confusing 'centrosome' with 'centromere' (part of a chromosome).
- Pronouncing it as /sen-tro-zome/.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, plant cells generally lack a distinct centrosome; they use other structures to organise microtubules.
Malfunctions can lead to errors in chromosome segregation during cell division, potentially causing genetic disorders or cancer.
The centrosome was discovered and named by Theodor Boveri and Édouard van Beneden in the late 19th century.
A centrosome consists of a pair of centrioles surrounded by pericentriolar material (PCM).
An organelle in the cytoplasm of animal cells that organizes microtubules and is involved in cell division.
Centrosome is usually technical/scientific in register.
Centrosome: in British English it is pronounced /ˈsɛntrə(ʊ)səʊm/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈsɛntrəsoʊm/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “(none)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a CENTre + SOMEthing. It's the central organelle that does 'something' crucial – organizes cell division.
Conceptual Metaphor
The command centre or architect of cell division.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary function of a centrosome?