chloroplast

noun

chlo·​ro·​plast ˈklȯr-ə-ˌplast 

: a plastid that contains chlorophyll and is the site of photosynthesis see cell illustration

chloroplastic

ˌklȯr-ə-ˈpla-stik 

adjective

Examples of chloroplast in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The team isolated the chloroplasts from algal cells using a centrifuge and gentle stirring. —Saugat Bolakhe, Scientific American, 7 Jan. 2025

Previous attempts at transplanting a chloroplast into a foreign cell had worked for just a few hours. —Saugat Bolakhe, Scientific American, 7 Jan. 2025

The chloroplasts were sourced from red algae, while the animal cells were cultured from hamsters. —Michael Irving, New Atlas, 30 Oct. 2024

Genetic testing shows that chloroplasts aren’t your typical organelles. —Cody Cottier, Discover Magazine, 4 Nov. 2024

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary

First Known Use

1887, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for chloroplast

• epiblast
• opencast
• overcast
• protoplast
• rebroadcast
• telecast
• trophoblast
• ultrafast
• unsurpassed
• aghast
• amassed
• biassed

Kids Definition

chloroplast

noun

chlo·​ro·​plast ˈklōr-ə-ˌplast 

ˈklȯr-

: a cellular part that contains chlorophyll and is the location of photosynthesis

Medical Definition

chloroplast

noun

chlo·​ro·​plast ˈklōr-ə-ˌplast, ˈklȯr- 

: a plastid that contains chlorophyll and is the site of photosynthesis and starch formation

chloroplastic

ˌklōr-ə-ˈplas-tik, ˌklȯr- 

adjective