chloroplast

chlo·ro·plast

noun \ˈklȯr-ə-ˌplast\

Definition of CHLOROPLAST

: a plastid that contains chlorophyll and is the site of photosynthesis — see cell illustration

— chlo·ro·plas·tic \ˌklȯr-ə-ˈplas-tik\ adjective

Origin of CHLOROPLAST

International Scientific Vocabulary

First Known Use: 1887

Other Botany Terms

annual, burgeon, nomenclature, succulent, sylvan, xylem

chlo·ro·plast

noun \ˈklōr-ə-ˌplast, ˈklȯr-\   (Medical Dictionary)

Medical Definition of CHLOROPLAST

: a plastid that contains chlorophyll and is the site of photosynthesis and starch formation

—chlo·ro·plas·tic \ˌklōr-ə-ˈplas-tik, ˌklȯr-\ (audio pronunciation) adjective

Illustration of CHLOROPLAST

chloroplast

noun    (Concise Encyclopedia)

Internal structures of the chloroplast—© Merriam-Webster Inc.

Microscopic, ellipsoidal organelle in a green plant cell. It is the site of photosynthesis. It is distinguished by its green colour, caused by the presence of chlorophyll. It contains disk-shaped structures called thylakoids that make possible the formation of ATP, an energy-rich storage compound.