biomass

noun

bio·​mass ˈbī-ō-ˌmas 

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

Petroleum-free Algae ink, derived from renewable biomass, is an example of Trimco’s focus on reducing fossil fuel dependency. —Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 16 June 2025

At the same time, the world’s largest biomass company, Drax, is cutting down trees across North America with a promise to sell them as a replacement for fossil fuels. —Tom Brown, Wired News, 14 June 2025

Those vehicles often run on diesel fuel, which is created from either biomass materials or crude oil. —Rich Tabaka, Forbes.com, 21 May 2025

Critics say that Finland should be cautious about the greater dependence on biomass for energy in the center-right government’s plan. —Troy Aidan Sambajon, Christian Science Monitor, 22 Apr. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1931, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

biomass

noun

bio·​mass

ˈbī-ō-ˌmas

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 

: the amount of living matter (as in a unit area or volume of habitat)