alloplasm

noun

al·​lo·​plasm
plural -s
: differentiated active protoplasm (as myofibrils, tonofibrils, and cilia)
also : certain protoplasmic derivatives (as cell walls or intercellular substances)
alloplasmatic
-ˌplaz¦matik
adjective
alloplasmic
¦⸗⸗¦plazmik
adjective

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary all- + -plasm; probably back-formation from alloplasmatic, from all- + plasmatic; originally formed as German alloplasmatisch

First Known Use

circa 1939, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of alloplasm was circa 1939

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Cite this Entry

“Alloplasm.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/alloplasm. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

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