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alloplasm

noun
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al·​lo·​plasm
plural -s

Definition of alloplasm

: differentiated active protoplasm (as myofibrils, tonofibrils, and cilia) also : certain protoplasmic derivatives (as cell walls or intercellular substances)

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Other Words from alloplasm

alloplasmatic \ -​ˌplaz¦matik \ adjective
alloplasmic \ ¦⸗⸗¦plazmik \ adjective

First Known Use of alloplasm

circa 1939, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for alloplasm

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

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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 26 Feb. 2021.

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