English Lexicon

Nucleolus

/njuːˈkliː.ə.ləs/
nounCEFR C2 (Proficient)Top #45200 frequency
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1 sense
As noun
  1. 1

    A small dense spherical structure in the nucleus of a cell during interphase, primarily responsible for the production and assembly of ribosomes.

    "Under the high-powered microscope, the nucleolus was clearly visible as a dark body within the cell's nucleus."

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Antonyms & Contrasting Words (1)

Linguistic Origin & Historical Etymology

Derived from Modern Latin 'nucleolus', the diminutive of Latin 'nucleus' meaning kernel or little nut, coined in the 19th century as cell biology advanced. It entered English scientific terminology to describe the small, dense spherical body found within the nucleus of a eukaryotic cell.

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