any of numerous minute particles in the cytoplasm of cells, either free or attached to the endoplasmic reticulum, that contain RNA and protein and are the site of protein synthesis
Derived forms
ribosomal (ˌriboˈsomal)
adjective
Word origin
C20: from ribo(nucleic acid) + -some3
ribosome in American English
(ˈraɪbəˌsoʊm)
noun
a minute, spherical particle composed of RNA and proteins and present in great numbers in the cytoplasm of cells: proteins are manufactured at the ribosomal surface following genetic instructions carried there by messenger RNA