biomass

noun

bio·​mass ˈbī-ō-ˌmas How to pronounce biomass (audio)
1
: the amount of living matter (as in a unit area or volume of habitat)
2
: plant materials and animal waste used especially as a source of fuel

Examples of biomass in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Ocean Recherche Ocean Recherche is promoting marine biomass as its preferred feedstock for fashion and design, supplying a portfolio of materials sourced from ocean resources. Alexandra Harrell, Sourcing Journal, 26 Feb. 2026 Although Visolis currently uses biomass instead of flue gas CO₂, the underlying idea of using waste carbon to produce isoprene is the same. Srishti Gupta, Interesting Engineering, 16 Feb. 2026 Similar conditions at the end of 2025 allowed a biomass of algae to linger near the lake’s surface until the water began to freeze. Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 29 Jan. 2026 Post-Brexit, the UK expanded subsidies for biomass, positioning wood pellets as a bridge fuel to reduce reliance on coal. Ken Silverstein, Forbes.com, 28 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for biomass

Word History

First Known Use

1931, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of biomass was in 1931

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Cite this Entry

“Biomass.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/biomass. Accessed 4 Mar. 2026.

Kids Definition

biomass

noun
bio·​mass ˈbī-ō-ˌmas How to pronounce biomass (audio)
1
: the amount of living matter (as in an area or volume of habitat)
2
: plant materials and animal waste used especially as a source of fuel

Medical Definition

biomass

noun
bio·​mass -ˌmas How to pronounce biomass (audio)
: the amount of living matter (as in a unit area or volume of habitat)

More from Merriam-Webster on biomass

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