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endoplasmic reticulum
noun
: a system of interconnected vesicular and lamellar cytoplasmic membranes that functions especially in the transport of materials within the cell and that is studded with ribosomes in some places see cell illustration
Examples of endoplasmic reticulum in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
As the connexin grows longer, an additional protein (blue) helps insert it into the membrane of the endoplasmic reticulum, the organelle in which this protein synthesis is taking place.
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Karen Hopkin, Scientific American, 1 May 2015
The Cell Painting assay uses six fluorescent dyes to reveal eight cellular components or organelles: the nucleus, the nucleoli, cytoplasmic RNA, the endoplasmic reticulum, the mitochondria, the plasma (cell) membrane, the Golgi complex and the F-actin cytoskeleton.
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Quanta Magazine, 2 Nov. 2021
Gerd Schröder-Turk, who studies biophotonic materials at Murdoch University in Australia, and his colleagues have shown when these scales are developing, the endoplasmic reticulum membrane in the scale cells forms a sheet with fluid on either side, creating a double gyroid.
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Quanta Magazine, 21 June 2021
Gerd Schröder-Turk, who studies biophotonic materials at Murdoch University in Australia, and his colleagues have shown that when these scales are developing, the endoplasmic reticulum membrane in the scale cells forms a sheet with fluid on either side, creating a double gyroid.
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Viviane Callier, The Atlantic, 20 June 2021
Two important organelles within cells are mitochondria and the endoplasmic reticulum, which produce energy and assemble proteins, respectively.
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Justin Quiles, The Conversation, 8 Feb. 2023
The idea to kill cancer cells by stressing out the endoplasmic reticulum isn’t new.
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Dallas News, 31 Oct. 2022
Changes in the code for one gene stood out: ERAP2, which encodes a protein called endoplasmic reticulum aminopeptidase 2.
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Byann Gibbons, science.org, 19 Oct. 2022
This could impact the size of the endoplasmic reticulum Golgi intermediate compartment.
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William A. Haseltine, Forbes, 3 Sep. 2021
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'endoplasmic reticulum.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
First Known Use
1947, in the meaning defined above
Time Traveler
The first known use of endoplasmic reticulum was
in 1947
Dictionary Entries Near endoplasmic reticulum
Cite this Entry
“Endoplasmic reticulum.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/endoplasmic%20reticulum. Accessed 18 Aug. 2024.
Kids Definition
endoplasmic reticulum
noun
en·do·plas·mic reticulum
ˌen-də-ˈplaz-mik-
: a system of cavities and tiny connecting canals that occupy much of the cytoplasm of the cell and functions especially in the movement of materials within the cell
Medical Definition
endoplasmic reticulum
noun
: a system of interconnected vesicular and lamellar cytoplasmic membranes that functions especially in the transport of materials within the cell and that is studded with ribosomes in some places see rough endoplasmic reticulum
More from Merriam-Webster on endoplasmic reticulum
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about endoplasmic reticulum
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