a structural and functional unit, such as a mitochondrion, in a cell or unicellular organism
Word origin
C20: from New Latin organella, from Latin organum: see organ
organelle in American English
(ˌɔrgəˈnɛl)
noun
a discrete structure within a cell, as a chloroplast or centriole, characterized by having specialized functions, a usually distinctive chemical composition, and an identifying molecular structure
often found in large numbers in a particular cell
Word origin
Ger < ModL organella < L organum (< Gr organon: see organ) + -ella, fem. of -ellus, dim. suffix