A mitochondrion; a structure in cells that produces energy through the process of breaking down nutrients.
From Greek 'chondros' (grain, cartilage) + 'soma' (body); early term for mitochondria when their granular appearance under microscopes reminded scientists of grain-like particles.
Ancient scientists didn't know mitochondria were the powerhouses of the cell—they just named them for how they looked under the microscope, accidentally creating a term that stuck even after we understood their true function!
Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.