mitochondria: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Low (C1/C2)Technical, Academic, Scientific
Quick answer
What does “mitochondria” mean?
Organelles in the cells of most organisms that act as the main source of chemical energy (ATP) through respiration.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
Organelles in the cells of most organisms that act as the main source of chemical energy (ATP) through respiration.
Structures within cells, often described as the 'powerhouses' or 'energy factories', that have their own DNA and are inherited maternally, playing key roles in metabolism, signalling, and cell death.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or use. Spelling and pronunciation are identical. The technical register is universal.
Connotations
None specific to either variety.
Frequency
Equal frequency in academic/scientific contexts in both regions; negligible in everyday conversation.
Grammar
How to Use “mitochondria” in a Sentence
The mitochondria in [noun phrase] are responsible for...Researchers studied the mitochondria of [organism]A defect in the mitochondria can lead to...Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “mitochondria” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The cell will mitochondria its resources. (NO - not a verb)
American English
- Scientists attempted to mitochondria the process. (NO - not a verb)
adverb
British English
- The energy was produced mitochondrially. (Extremely rare/technical)
American English
- The function deteriorated mitochondrially. (Extremely rare/technical)
adjective
British English
- The mitochondrial genome is inherited from the mother.
- They observed a mitochondrial defect.
American English
- Mitochondrial dysfunction is linked to the disease.
- The research focuses on mitochondrial health.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used, except in highly specific biotech or pharmaceutical contexts.
Academic
Core term in biology, biochemistry, genetics, and medicine. Used in research papers, textbooks, and lectures.
Everyday
Extremely rare. Might appear in popular science articles, documentaries, or advanced educational materials.
Technical
The primary domain. Essential vocabulary in lab reports, scientific discussions, and medical diagnostics related to metabolic disorders.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “mitochondria”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “mitochondria”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “mitochondria”
- Using 'mitochondria' as a singular noun (e.g., 'a mitochondria is...' - incorrect; should be 'a mitochondrion is...').
- Misspelling as 'mitocondria' (missing 'h').
- Mispronouncing the 'ch' as /tʃ/ (like 'church') instead of /k/.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is plural. The singular form is 'mitochondrion'.
No, they are too small. They require an electron microscope to be seen in detail.
It is widely accepted due to the endosymbiotic theory, which proposes that mitochondria evolved from free-living bacteria that were engulfed by an ancestral cell.
No, they are found in most eukaryotic cells (plants, animals, fungi) but are not present in prokaryotic cells like bacteria.
Organelles in the cells of most organisms that act as the main source of chemical energy (ATP) through respiration.
Mitochondria is usually technical, academic, scientific in register.
Mitochondria: in British English it is pronounced /ˌmaɪ.təʊˈkɒn.dri.ə/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌmaɪ.t̬oʊˈkɑːn.dri.ə/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “The powerhouse of the cell (common descriptive metaphor, not a fixed idiom).”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
MITOchondria MITOgate (manage) your energy. Think 'MIGHTY-chondria' because they're the mighty powerhouses.
Conceptual Metaphor
THE CELL IS A FACTORY / THE CELL IS A CITY. Mitochondria are the power plants or energy generators.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary function of mitochondria?