-
- To save this word, you'll need to log in.
ribosome
noun
ri·bo·some
ˈrī-bə-ˌsōm
: any of the RNA-rich cytoplasmic granules that are sites of protein synthesis see cell illustration
Examples of ribosome in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
In 2014, his lab showed vaults are made in an unusual way, by an assembly line of ribosomes.
—
Byjohn Travis, science.org, 6 June 2024
Every ribosomal hibernation factor previously discovered physically blocks the ribosome’s A site, so any protein-making process that’s in progress must be completed before the factor can attach to turn off the ribosome.
—
Dan Samorodnitsky, Quanta Magazine, 5 June 2024
Before Balon, hibernation factors had only been seen in empty ribosomes.
—
Dan Samorodnitsky, Quanta Magazine, 5 June 2024
Still other types of ncRNAs, called small nucleolar RNAs, work within cell compartments called nucleoli to help modify the RNA in ribosomes—a cell’s protein-making factories—as well as transfer RNA and mRNA.
—
Philip Ball, Scientific American, 14 May 2024
See all Example Sentences for ribosome ![](/dist-cross-dungarees/2025-02-06--20-43-45-x16ho/images/svg/redesign/arrow-right-exemplar.svg)
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.
Word History
First Known Use
1958, in the meaning defined above
Dictionary Entries Near ribosome
Cite this Entry
“Ribosome.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ribosome. Accessed 6 Feb. 2025.
Kids Definition
ribosome
noun
ri·bo·some
ˈrī-bə-ˌsōm
: one of numerous small RNA-containing particles in a cell that are sites of protein synthesis
Medical Definition
ribosome
noun
ri·bo·some
ˈrī-bə-ˌsōm
: any of the RNA- and protein-rich cytoplasmic granules that are sites of protein synthesis
More from Merriam-Webster on ribosome
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about ribosome
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share