Word
mitochondrial
Phoneticsmi·to·chon·dri·al
US/ˌmaɪtəˈkɑndɹiəɫ/
UK/mˌaɪtəkˈɒndɹɪəl/
Definition
adj. relating to the part of a cell that makes energy. You use this word when talking about biology or how your body gets power from food.
adj. relating to or derived from mitochondria, the organelles responsible for energy production within eukaryotic cells. Typically used in biological, medical, or genetic contexts.
Examples
“Mitochondrial DNA is passed down from the mother.”
“The patient was diagnosed with a rare mitochondrial disease that affects how her muscles use oxygen.”
“Researchers are investigating how mitochondrial dysfunction contributes to the aging process and the development of neurodegenerative conditions like Parkinson's disease.”
Examples
simple
“Mitochondrial DNA is passed down from the mother.”
contextual
“The patient was diagnosed with a rare mitochondrial disease that affects how her muscles use oxygen.”
complex
“Researchers are investigating how mitochondrial dysfunction contributes to the aging process and the development of neurodegenerative conditions like Parkinson's disease.”
Usage
Typically used attributively before a noun; often found in scientific collocations like 'mitochondrial DNA' or 'mitochondrial matrix'.
Real-World Examples
Common in science writing
“We then compared the Y-chromosome and mitochondrial DNA, which track the male and female lines of descent, respectively.” “In addition to protecting nerve cells and supporting mitochondrial function, the compound appeared to benefit the heart and affect some signs of aging in the mice.” “Emerging evidence suggests that healthy mitochondrial function helps give rise to intelligence , including driving arithmetic and processing speed , working memory , healthier brain ageing and greater resilience to stress .” “The team detected several human mitochondrial DNA lineages, as well as a diverse microbiome made up of bacteria, fungi and salt-loving microorganisms.” Etymology
From mitochondria + -al.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Collocations
Scan code
englishreference.com/q/mitochondrial