Also ‑somal.
A part of a body, especially a cell.
Greek sōma, body.
Examples include chromosome, liposome, and ribosome. For details and more examples see the table below. 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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