noun

lysosome

LY-suh-sohm

Quiz me More like this

Lysosome (noun) means an organelle in animal cells that contains enzymes able to break down most biological molecules. Example: “The lysosome breaks down worn-out proteins so the cell can reuse their parts.”

noun

biology An organelle in animal cells that contains enzymes able to break down most biological molecules.

"The lysosome breaks down worn-out proteins so the cell can reuse their parts."

"Under the microscope, lysosomes appear as small sacs scattered through the cell."

"A fault in a single lysosome enzyme can leave waste material building up inside the cell."

How to use lysosome

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA lysosome is the part of an animal cell that breaks down waste and unwanted material.

When to use it

Lysosome is a specialist biology term used mainly in scientific and educational writing.

Memory tip

Link the word to lyso-, meaning breaking down, and you will remember that a lysosome is the cell's recycling and waste-breakdown compartment.

Trace the full origin ↓

Common pairings

lysosomal enzymes inside the lysosome lysosome function

Vocabulary Flow

Build your vocabulary from words like lysosome.

Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.

Start vocabulary practice

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Test yourself on “lysosome” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The _____ breaks down worn-out proteins so the cell can reuse their parts.

Etymology

Lysosome is built from lyso-, relating to breaking down or dissolving, and -some, meaning a body.

Origin: English

Rhymes for lysosome

ome some come home Rome nome tome dome brome gnome genome become

See all rhymes for lysosome →

Frequently asked questions

What is a lysosome?

A lysosome is an organelle found in animal cells that holds digestive enzymes able to break down most biological molecules.

What is the function of a lysosome?

Its job is to break down large molecules and worn-out cell parts using the enzymes it contains.

Are lysosomes found in all cells?

According to their definition, lysosomes are found in all types of animal cells.

What is the meaning of lysosome?

"lysosome" (noun) means an organelle in animal cells that contains enzymes able to break down most biological molecules.