adj Uncommon

mitochondrial

meye-tuh-KON-dree-uhl

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Mitochondrial (adj) means relating to mitochondria, the energy-producing structures within cells. Example: “Mitochondrial DNA is passed down only from the mother.”

adj

Relating to mitochondria, the energy-producing structures within cells.

"A coenzyme that exists in all living cells, NAD+ plays a central role in the body’s biological processes, such as regulating cellular energy, increasing insulin sensitivity and reversing mitochondrial dysfunction." — Sandee LaMotte, The ‘Benjamin Button’ effect: Scientists can reverse aging in mice. The goal is to do the same for humans (2022)

"Sperm pass on none of their mitochondria during conception, so all mitochondrial information is transferred from generation to generation through mothers alone." — Bill Bryson, The Body: A Guide for Occupants (2019)

"Mitochondrial DNA is passed down only from the mother."

How to use mitochondrial

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishHaving to do with mitochondria, the tiny "powerhouses" inside cells.

Common pairings

mitochondrial DNA mitochondrial disease

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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”.

Word forms

Comparative: more mitochondrial
Superlative: most mitochondrial

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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

_____ DNA is passed down only from the mother.

Etymology

From mitochondria plus the adjective-forming suffix -al.

Rhymes for mitochondrial

dial trial aerial serial filial denial medial racial social burial facial menial

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Frequently asked questions

What does “mitochondrial” mean?

The word “mitochondrial” means relating to mitochondria, the energy-producing structures within cells. In plain terms, having to do with mitochondria, the tiny "powerhouses" inside cells.

How do you pronounce “mitochondrial”?

“Mitochondrial” is pronounced meye-tuh-KON-dree-uhl (/ˌmaɪ.təˈkɑːn.dɹi.əl/ in IPA).

How do you use “mitochondrial” in a sentence?

Here is “mitochondrial” used in a sentence: “Mitochondrial DNA is passed down only from the mother.”

What part of speech is “mitochondrial”?

“Mitochondrial” is an adjective.

Is “mitochondrial” a common word?

“Mitochondrial” is an uncommon word in modern English.