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organelle

What is another word for organelle? Here is its meaning, with related words and examples.

Noun — An organelle is a small, specialised part inside a cell that carries out a particular job for that cell.

We haven't recorded synonyms for organelle yet. You can still read its full definition, where it comes from, or words that rhyme with it.

How to use organelle

The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.

cell organelle specialised organelle organelles within the cell membrane-bound organelle

This is a scientific term used mainly in biology, particularly in cytology, the study of cells.

Etymology

Organelle is built from the English word organ with the ending -elle added to it, giving the sense of a small organ. The word describes a tiny working part inside a cell, echoing how an organ is a working part of a body.

Full origin of organelle →

Frequently asked questions

What is an organelle in a cell?
It is a specialised structure inside a cell, such as a ribosome or a vacuole, that carries out one particular task needed to keep the cell working.
Is an organelle the same as an organ?
No. An organ is a structure in a body, while an organelle is a much smaller structure found inside a single cell.
What are some examples of organelles?
Ribosomes and vacuoles are two examples of organelles, each carrying out a specific process that the cell needs.

Nearby words

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Synonyms and antonyms from Wiktionary, CC BY-SA.