plasmolysis

noun

plas·​mol·​y·​sis plaz-ˈmä-lə-səs How to pronounce plasmolysis (audio)
: shrinking of the cytoplasm away from the wall of a living cell due to outward osmotic flow of water
plasmolytic adjective

Word History

Etymology

New Latin

First Known Use

1883, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of plasmolysis was in 1883

Dictionary Entries Near plasmolysis

Cite this Entry

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

Medical Definition

plasmolysis

noun
plas·​mol·​y·​sis plaz-ˈmäl-ə-səs How to pronounce plasmolysis (audio)
: shrinking of the cytoplasm away from the wall of a living cell due to water loss by exosmosis
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