© 2026 Sloth Lingo. Learn easy. Lounge wisely.

polyribosomal

Upper-Intermediate (B2)

IPA: /ˌpɒlɪˈrɪbəˌsəʊməl/

KK: /ˌpɑlɪˈrɪbəˌsoʊməl/

adjective
Definition

Relating to a structure made up of multiple ribosomes that are attached to a single strand of messenger RNA, allowing for the simultaneous translation of proteins.


Example

The polyribosomal nature of the mRNA allows for efficient protein synthesis in the cell.


Conversation
Sloth A
I was reading about how polyribosomal structures can speed up protein synthesis.
Sloth B
That sounds interesting! How do they actually work?
Sloth A
Well, multiple ribosomes can translate the same mRNA simultaneously, which is pretty efficient.
Sloth B
I get it now! That must be crucial for cells that need to produce a lot of proteins quickly.

Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
multiribosomal
ribosomal
polysomal
Antonyms
monoribosomal
unribosomal
singleribosomal
Root Explanation

Polyribosomal → It is formed from "poly-" (meaning many) and "ribosome" (from Greek "ribos", meaning sugar, and "soma", meaning body). The word describes a structure consisting of many ribosomes, which are the cellular machinery for protein synthesis.

Memory Tip

Think of 'poly-' meaning 'many' and 'ribosome' as the 'body' that makes proteins. This helps you remember that 'polyribosomal' refers to a structure with many ribosomes working together.

Visually Confused Words

No commonly confused words.

Is this page helpful?