ribosome: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2/TechnicalTechnical/Scientific
Quick answer
What does “ribosome” mean?
A tiny cellular structure where proteins are synthesised according to genetic instructions.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A tiny cellular structure where proteins are synthesised according to genetic instructions.
A complex molecular machine composed of ribosomal RNA and proteins, found in all living cells, that reads messenger RNA sequences and assembles amino acids into polypeptide chains.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No difference in meaning. Spelling and pronunciation are identical. UK English may favour '-ise' ending but 'ribosome' is universally standardised.
Connotations
None beyond its scientific definition.
Frequency
Extremely rare in everyday conversation in both regions. Frequency is identical within the academic/technical register.
Grammar
How to Use “ribosome” in a Sentence
The ribosome translates/synthesises/produces [protein].[mRNA] is bound/decoded/read by the ribosome.The antibiotic inhibits/binds to/disrupts the ribosome.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “ribosome” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- (Not applicable; no verb form.)
American English
- (Not applicable; no verb form.)
adverb
British English
- (Not applicable; no adverb form.)
American English
- (Not applicable; no adverb form.)
adjective
British English
- The ribosomal RNA (rRNA) is a key component.
- They studied the ribosomal subunits.
American English
- The antibiotic has a ribosomal target.
- Ribosomal proteins are highly conserved.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used, except in biotech/pharma company reports discussing drug mechanisms.
Academic
Core term in cell biology, molecular biology, biochemistry, and genetics.
Everyday
Virtually never used outside of advanced science education or documentaries.
Technical
The primary and only appropriate register. Used with precision to describe structure, function, and inhibition.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “ribosome”
Neutral
Weak
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “ribosome”
- Mispronunciation: /ˈrɪb.ə.soʊm/ (with a short 'i').
- Misspelling: 'ribozome' (confusion with ribozyme, a catalytic RNA).
- Confusing it with other organelles like the endoplasmic reticulum, which ribosomes can be attached to.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Traditionally, no. Ribosomes are not membrane-bound, which is a key feature of organelles. They are often classified as non-membranous cellular structures or macromolecular complexes.
No. Ribosomes are universal to all life forms—found in animal, plant, fungal, bacterial, and archaeal cells, highlighting their fundamental role in biology.
Free ribosomes float in the cytoplasm and make proteins for use within the cell. Bound ribosomes are attached to the endoplasmic reticulum and typically make proteins for export or for insertion into membranes.
Bacterial ribosomes have structural differences from human ribosomes. Antibiotics like streptomycin and erythromycin can bind to and disrupt bacterial ribosomes, halting their protein synthesis and killing the bacteria, without affecting human cells.
A tiny cellular structure where proteins are synthesised according to genetic instructions.
Ribosome is usually technical/scientific in register.
Ribosome: in British English it is pronounced /ˈraɪ.bə.səʊm/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈraɪ.bə.soʊm/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'RIB-O-SOME'. Your RIBS protect vital organs. A ribo-SOME protects/supports the vital process of making proteins (some proteins).
Conceptual Metaphor
A PROTEIN SYNTHESIS FACTORY (reads a blueprint (mRNA) and assembles parts (amino acids) into a product (protein)).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary function of a ribosome?