ribosome Syllabification: (ri·bo·some)Pronunciation: /ˈrībəˌsōm/Definition of ribosome noun Biochemistry a minute particle consisting of RNA and associated proteins, found in large numbers in the cytoplasm of living cells. They bind messenger RNA and transfer RNA to synthesize polypeptides and proteins. Derivatives ribosomalPronunciation: /ˌrībəˈsōməl/ adjective Origin: 1950s: from ribonucleic acid + -some3ribosome in other Oxford dictionaries Definition of ribosome in the British & World English dictionary