tubule

noun

tu·​bule ˈtü-(ˌ)byül How to pronounce tubule (audio)
ˈtyü-
: a small tube
especially : a slender elongated anatomical channel

Examples of tubule in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
To investigate, the authors of a recent study in Nature Communications explored how microgravity and galactic cosmic radiation affect kidney function—particularly parts of the kidney called tubules, which help to maintain healthy salt and mineral levels. Max Springer, Scientific American, 11 Sep. 2024 When microgravity shifts the body’s distribution of internal fluids, kidney tubules tend to shrink; this action hinders the organ’s ability to properly filter calcium and salts, increasing the risk of kidney stones and other health issues. Max Springer, Scientific American, 11 Sep. 2024 Certain medical conditions, such as chronic diarrhea, rare genetic disorders of phosphorus metabolism, hyperparathyroidism, kidney tubule defects, and diabetic ketoacidosis, as well as critical illness, can also cause phosphorus deficiencies. Jillian Kubala, Health, 8 July 2024 The remnants of the xylem and phloem — tubules that transport water, sugars and nutrients throughout living leaves — somehow become a root. Douglas Main, New York Times, 25 Feb. 2024 The glomerulus does the filtering, while the tubule sends blood and other crucial material back into the bloodstream. Nathaniel Scharping, Discover Magazine, 16 Feb. 2024 According to the National Cancer Insitute, renal cell cancer occurs when cancer cells are found in the lining of the tubules in the kidney. Joelle Goldstein, PEOPLE.com, 10 Sep. 2019 This may eventually compromise the underlying dentin, which is a tissue containing hollow canals called tubules. Korin Miller, SELF, 18 Apr. 2018 This can aggravate the tubules in your dentin, causing sensitivity, Dr. Wolff says. Korin Miller, SELF, 18 Apr. 2018

Word History

Etymology

Latin tubulus, diminutive of tubus

First Known Use

1677, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of tubule was in 1677

Dictionary Entries Near tubule

Cite this Entry

“Tubule.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tubule. Accessed 21 Jan. 2025.

Kids Definition

tubule

noun
: a small tube
especially : a long slender channel in the body of a living thing

Medical Definition

tubule

noun
: a small tube
especially : a slender elongated anatomical channel

More from Merriam-Webster on tubule

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