lysosome

noun

ly·​so·​some ˈlī-sə-ˌsōm How to pronounce lysosome (audio)
: a saclike cellular organelle that contains various hydrolytic enzymes see cell illustration
lysosomal
ˌlī-sə-ˈsō-məl How to pronounce lysosome (audio)
adjective

Examples of lysosome 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.
This enzyme is active in lysosomes, which are structures inside cells that act as recycling centers. — Samantha Agate, Kansas City Star, 6 May 2026 Rome assigned her the task of comparing the vesicles entering lysosomes with the ones exiting. — Byjohn Travis, science.org, 6 June 2024 In aged mouse stem cells, the lysosomes had become hyperacidic, damaged, depleted and abnormally active. — Allison Palmer, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 15 June 2026 And sure enough, the analysis showed damage to the cardiac mitochondria, which power the cells, and oversize lysosomes, which help break down cellular material. — Jeanna Bryner, Scientific American, 4 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for lysosome

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary lys- + -some entry 3

First Known Use

1955, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of lysosome was in 1955

Browse Nearby Words

lysolecithin
lysosome
lysozyme
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Lysosome.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lysosome. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

Copy Citation

Kids Definition

lysosome

noun
ly·​so·​some ˈlī-sə-ˌsōm How to pronounce lysosome (audio)
: a saclike organelle that contains enzymes which can break down materials (as food particles and waste) within a cell

Medical Definition

lysosome

noun
ly·​so·​some ˈlī-sə-ˌsōm How to pronounce lysosome (audio)
: a saclike cellular organelle that contains various hydrolytic enzymes
lysosomal
ˌlī-sə-ˈsō-məl How to pronounce lysosome (audio)
adjective
lysosomally
-mə-lē How to pronounce lysosome (audio)
adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on lysosome

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about lysosome

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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