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

Powered entirely by sunlight, the system simultaneously transforms carbon dioxide into a valuable chemical while converting biomass waste into the essential building blocks for sustainable plastics. —Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 12 June 2026

Established in 2023 to create multiple innovative, local and sustainable algae value chains in countries bordering the Baltic and North Seas, Locality sets the basis for the market uptake of innovative, socially responsible and sustainable products formulated using algal biomasses. —Angela Velasquez, Footwear News, 10 June 2026

Renewable energy companies—including companies using solar, wind, geothermal, fusion, or biomass to generate power; or creating infrastructure for clean energy production—make up 34% of the list. —Charlotte Hu, Time, 9 June 2026

FerroSilva’s method uses biomass gasification combined with carbon capture and utilization. —Catarina Rolfsdotter-Jansson, Forbes.com, 28 May 2026

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)