centriole

noun

cen·​tri·​ole ˈsen-trē-ˌōl 

: one of a pair of cellular organelles that occur especially in animals, are found near the nucleus, function in the formation of the spindle (see spindle entry 1 sense 2a) fibers during cell division, and consist of a cylinder with nine microtubules arranged peripherally in a circle see cell illustration

Examples of centriole in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Larger cells lack flagella and instead use the centrioles full time for cell division. —Elizabeth Pennisi, Science | AAAS, 28 June 2018

Word History

Etymology

German Zentriol, from Zentrum center

First Known Use

1895, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

centriole

noun

cen·​tri·​ole ˈsen-trē-ˌōl 

: one of a pair of minute bodies that are located next to the nucleus of a cell, are important in cell division, and consist of a cylinder-shaped central part surrounded by a circle of nine tiny tubes

Medical Definition

centriole

noun

cen·​tri·​ole ˈsen-trē-ˌōl 

: one of a pair of cellular organelles that occur especially in animals, are found near the nucleus, function in the formation of the spindle apparatus during cell division, and consist of a cylinder with nine microtubules arranged peripherally in a circle