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Definition

noun, plural: centrioles

A self-replicating, small, fibrous, cylindrical-shaped organelle, typically located in the cytoplasm near the nucleus in cells of most animals. It is involved in the process of nuclear division.

Supplement

The centriole contains nine pairs of peripheral microtubules arranged orthogonally so as to form the wall of the cylinder. The centrioles are absent in higher plants and most fungi.

Word origin: New Latin centriolum, diminutive of Latin centrum, center.

Related terms:

• Proximal centriole
• Distal centriole