microtubule
noun
mi·cro·tu·bule
ˌmī-krō-ˈtü-(ˌ)byül 
-ˈtyü-
: any of the minute tubules in eukaryotic cytoplasm that are composed of the protein tubulin and form an important component of the cytoskeleton, mitotic spindle, cilia, and flagella
Examples of microtubule in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
These tubes, known as microtubules, form and bloom and decay in a dance that controls many aspects of eukaryotic life.
—
Veronique Greenwood, Quanta Magazine, 8 Sep. 2025
Cancer cells divide uncontrollably, and these compounds appear to block the formation of microtubules, the scaffolding inside cells that are essential for cell division.
—Justin Stebbing, JSTOR Daily, 24 July 2025
But microgravity distorts microtubules and can lead to irregular cell division, making cancer more likely.
—Tom Brown, Space.com, 13 June 2025
These synapses are supported by 'rail tracks' that enable the flow of essential nutrients and information, and they're called microtubules.
—New Atlas, 15 Feb. 2025
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Veronique Greenwood, Quanta Magazine, 8 Sep. 2025
Cancer cells divide uncontrollably, and these compounds appear to block the formation of microtubules, the scaffolding inside cells that are essential for cell division.
—Justin Stebbing, JSTOR Daily, 24 July 2025
But microgravity distorts microtubules and can lead to irregular cell division, making cancer more likely.
—Tom Brown, Space.com, 13 June 2025
These synapses are supported by 'rail tracks' that enable the flow of essential nutrients and information, and they're called microtubules.
—New Atlas, 15 Feb. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Microtubule.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/microtubule. Accessed 3 Nov. 2025.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
microtubule
noun
mi·cro·tu·bule
ˌmī-krō-ˈt(y)ü-(ˌ)byü(ə)l
: any of the minute tubules in eukaryotic cytoplasm that are composed of the protein tubulin and form an important component of the cytoskeleton, mitotic spindle, cilia, and flagella
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