noun

ribosome

RY-buh-sohm

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Ribosome (noun) means a tiny structure found in every cell that builds proteins by reading messenger RNA. Example: “Ribosomes float freely in the cytoplasm or attach to the endoplasmic reticulum.”

noun

A tiny structure found in every cell that builds proteins by reading messenger RNA.

"Ribosomes float freely in the cytoplasm or attach to the endoplasmic reticulum."

"The lecture explained how a ribosome translates mRNA into a chain of amino acids."

"Each cell contains thousands of ribosomes working to make proteins."

How to use ribosome

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA ribosome is the cell's tiny protein-making machine.

When to use it

It is a technical biology term used mainly in scientific and educational contexts.

Memory tip

The stress falls on the first syllable, RY, and the ending rhymes with home.

Trace the full origin ↓

Common pairings

ribosome function free ribosomes bound ribosomes

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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”.

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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

_____ float freely in the cytoplasm or attach to the endoplasmic reticulum.

Etymology

Ribosome is built from ribo-, referring to ribonucleic acid, combined with the suffix -some, used for small bodies or structures. The name reflects its role as a small structure that works with RNA.

Origin: English

Rhymes for ribosome

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

See all rhymes for ribosome →

Frequently asked questions

What is a ribosome?

A ribosome is a small organelle inside a cell that makes proteins by translating messenger RNA.

Where are ribosomes found in a cell?

They are found in all cells, either loose in the cytoplasm or attached to other cell structures.

What is the main job of a ribosome?

Its main job is translating messenger RNA into proteins.

What is the meaning of ribosome?

"ribosome" (noun) means a tiny structure found in every cell that builds proteins by reading messenger RNA.