lysosome

noun

ly·​so·​some ˈlī-sə-ˌsōm 

: a saclike cellular organelle that contains various hydrolytic enzymes see cell illustration

lysosomal

ˌlī-sə-ˈsō-məl 

adjective

Examples of lysosome in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

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

This enzyme is active in lysosomes, which are structures inside cells that act as recycling centers. —Samantha Agate, Kansas City Star, 1 May 2026

This likely relates to additional functions that specific lysosomes have, such as sensing nutrients and repairing broken membranes. —Katarina Zimmer, JSTOR Daily, 14 Aug. 2025

In fact, real-time imaging revealed eggs jettisoning lysosomes into the surrounding fluid, while their mitochondria and proteasomes simultaneously migrate to the outer rim of the cells. —Ian Randall, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 Aug. 2025

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary lys- + -some entry 3

First Known Use

1955, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

lysosome

noun

ly·​so·​some ˈlī-sə-ˌsōm 

: 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 

: a saclike cellular organelle that contains various hydrolytic enzymes

lysosomal

ˌlī-sə-ˈsō-məl 

adjective

lysosomally

-mə-lē 

adverb