Contains the centrioles and serves to organize the microtubules

• Small region of cytoplasm adjacent to the nucleus

WordNet Word definitions in WordNet
n. small region of cytoplasm adjacent to the nucleus; contains the centrioles and serves to organize the microtubules [syn: central body ]

Wiktionary Word definitions in Wiktionary
n. (context cytology English) An organelle, near the nucleus in the cytoplasm of most organisms, that controls the organization of its microtubules

Wikipedia Word definitions in Wikipedia
In cell biology , the centrosome (Latin centrum 'center' + Greek sōma 'body') is an organelle that serves as the main microtubule organizing center (MTOC) of the animal cell as well as a regulator of cell-cycle progression. The centrosome is thought to ...

The Collaborative International Dictionary Word definitions in The Collaborative International Dictionary
Centrosome \Cen"tro*some`\, n. [Gr. ? center + -? the body.] (Biol.) A peculiar rounded body lying near the nucleus of a cell. It is regarded as the dynamic element by means of which the machinery of cell division is organized.

Douglas Harper's Etymology Dictionary Word definitions in Douglas Harper's Etymology Dictionary
1889, from German centrosoma (1888), coined by German zoologist Theodor Boveri (1862-1915), from centro- (see center (n.)) + -some (3)).