ribosome

[rahy-buh-sohm] /ˈraɪ bəˌsoʊm/
noun, Cell Biology
1.
a tiny, somewhat mitten-shaped organelle occurring in great numbers in the cell cytoplasm either freely, in small clusters, or attached to the outer surfaces of endoplasmic reticula, and functioning as the site of protein manufacture.
Origin
1955-60; ribo(se) + -some3
Related forms
ribosomal, adjective
Examples from the web for ribosomes
  • The root of my query is the fact that ribosomes must be incredibly complex molecules.
British Dictionary definitions for ribosomes

ribosome

/ˈraɪbəˌsəʊm/
noun
1.
any of numerous minute particles in the cytoplasm of cells, either free or attached to the endoplasmic reticulum, that contain RNA and protein and are the site of protein synthesis
Derived Forms
ribosomal, adjective
Word Origin
C20: from ribo(nucleic acid) + -some³
Word Origin and History for ribosomes

ribosome

n.

1958, coined by U.S. microbiologist Richard B. Roberts (1910-1980) from ribo(nucleic acid) + -some "body."

ribosomes in Medicine

ribosome ri·bo·some (rī'bə-sōm')
n.
A minute round cytoplasmic particle composed of RNA and protein that is the site of protein synthesis as directed by mRNA.

ri'bo·so'mal (-sō'məl) adj.
ribosomes in Science
ribosome
  (rī'bə-sōm')   
A sphere-shaped structure within the cytoplasm of a cell that is composed of RNA and protein and is the site of protein synthesis. Ribosomes are free in the cytoplasm and often attached to the membrane of the endoplasmic reticulum. Ribosomes exist in both eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells. Plastids and mitochondria in eukaryotic cells have smaller ribosomes similar to those of prokaryotes. See more at cell.
ribosomes in Culture
ribosome [(reye-buh-sohm)]

A small, ball-like structure in the cell, made of proteins and RNA molecules, that serves as a platform on which the cell's proteins are made.