pyrenoid

noun

py·re·noid pī-ˈrē-ˌnȯid

ˈpī-rə-

: a protein body in the chloroplasts of algae and hornworts that is involved in carbon fixation and starch formation and storage

Examples of pyrenoid in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web For example, pyrenoids are dynamic structures that dissolve and reform between cell divisions. —

Trevor Grandpre, Scientific American, 14 Aug. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'pyrenoid.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary, from New Latin pyrena stone of a fruit, from Greek pyrēn; akin to Greek pyros wheat grain, wheat — more at furze

First Known Use

circa 1875, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of pyrenoid was circa 1875

See more words from the same year