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
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Larger cells lack flagella and instead use the centrioles full time for cell division.
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Elizabeth Pennisi, Science | AAAS, 28 June 2018
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Elizabeth Pennisi, Science | AAAS, 28 June 2018
Cite this Entry
“Centriole.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/centriole. Accessed 31 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationKids 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
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