organelle

noun

or·​gan·​elle ˌȯr-gə-ˈnel 

: a specialized cellular part (such as a mitochondrion, chloroplast, or nucleus) that has a specific function and is considered analogous to an organ

Examples of organelle in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

In fact, the hallmark of this cell death is that there’s very open chromatin, and then organelles, rather than waiting till the end of the death process to exhibit defects, right from the beginning tend to swell. —Steven Strogatz, Quanta Magazine, 5 Dec. 2024

To synthesize amino acids, the organelles must divert molecules that would otherwise go toward making ATP, potentially reducing the cell’s production of energy. —Bymitch Leslie, science.org, 8 Nov. 2024

Read More: Why Some Plants Close Their Leaves at Night Where Does Photosynthesis Take Place? Plant cells are filled with organelles called chloroplasts, which are, in turn, filled with a pigment called chlorophyll (the same one that gives plants their green color). —Cody Cottier, Discover Magazine, 4 Nov. 2024

Genetic testing shows that chloroplasts aren’t your typical organelles. —Cody Cottier, Discover Magazine, 4 Nov. 2024

Word History

Etymology

New Latin organella, from Latin organum

First Known Use

1915, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

organelle

noun

or·​gan·​elle ˌȯr-gə-ˈnel 

: a structure (as a mitochondrion) in a cell that performs a special function

Medical Definition

organelle

noun

or·​gan·​elle ˌȯr-gə-ˈnel 

: a specialized cellular part (as a mitochondrion or nucleus) that has a specific function and is considered analogous to an organ