Mitochondrial

mitochondrion |ˌmītəˈkändrēən| noun ( pl. -dria |-drēə|) Biology an organelle found in large numbers in most cells, in which the biochemical processes of respiration and energy production occur. It has a double membrane, the inner layer being folded inward to form layers (cristae). DERIVATIVES mitochondrial |-drēəl| adjective ORIGIN early 20th cent.: modern Latin, from Greek mitos ‘thread’ + khondrion (diminutive of khondros ‘granule’ ).