-some3 Also -somal.
A part of a body, especially a cell.
[Greek sōma, body.]
Examples include chromosome, liposome, and ribosome. For details and more examples, Related adjectives are usually formed in -somal: chromosomal, ribosomal.
Examples of words in -some3
All word origins are from Greek unless otherwise stated.
| autosome | any chromosome that is not a sex chromosome | autos, self |
| centrosome | an organelle near the nucleus of a cell which contains the centrioles | English centre |
| chromosome | thread-like structures in the nucleus of cells that carry genetic information | khrōma, colour, because the threads can be stained with dyes for easier viewing under a microscope |
| liposome | a minute spherical sac of fat molecules enclosing a water droplet, especially one formed artificially to carry drugs or other substances into the tissues | lipos, fat |
| lysosome | a structure in some cells containing enzymes enclosed in a membrane that degrades waste material | lusis, loosening |
| nucleosome | a structural unit of a chromosome in a cell nucleus | English nucleus |
| phagosome | a structure in the cytoplasm of a cell that has enclosed an invading cell or particle prior to destruction by lysosomes | phago-, eating |
| ribosome | a minute particle consisting of RNA and associated proteins found in large numbers in the cytoplasm of living cells | English ribose |
| schistosome | a parasitic flatworm which needs two hosts to complete its life cycle | skhistos, divided |
| trypanosome | a single-celled parasitic protozoan with a trailing flagellum, infesting the blood | trupanon, borer |
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