chloroplast

noun

chlo·​ro·​plast ˈklȯr-ə-ˌplast How to pronounce chloroplast (audio)
: a plastid that contains chlorophyll and is the site of photosynthesis see cell illustration
chloroplastic adjective

Examples of chloroplast in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web The pump transferred protons from the cytoplasm to the compartment between the extra membrane and the chloroplast. Kevin Hartnett, Quanta Magazine, 6 July 2023 Recognizing this process will let physicists study chloroplasts' complex dynamics as a familiar type of system, the researchers say. Allison Parshall, Scientific American, 24 Apr. 2023 But too much light is damaging, so in strong light conditions the chloroplasts weave and dodge to minimize exposure. Allison Parshall, Scientific American, 24 Apr. 2023 Schramma's team found that chloroplasts can undergo a similar process. Allison Parshall, Scientific American, 24 Apr. 2023 Changes to the number and maturity of chloroplasts within a leaf, as well as to leaves' structures, cause the leaves to appear lighter in the spring and darker later on. Clara Moskowitz, Scientific American, 1 Mar. 2023 The chloroplasts inside these cells, which turn sunlight into energy through the process of photosynthesis, tend to absorb more blue and red wavelengths and less green light. Clara Moskowitz, Scientific American, 1 Mar. 2023 These proteins, which number in their hundreds, are made in the cell’s nucleus, and transported into the chloroplast. Ed Yong, Discover Magazine, 18 Sep. 2012 What was once an independent microbe was now the chloroplast: the cellular structure, or organelle, that plant cells use to photosynthesize . Ashley P. Taylor, Discover Magazine, 22 Sep. 2012 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'chloroplast.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary

First Known Use

1887, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of chloroplast was in 1887

Dictionary Entries Near chloroplast

Cite this Entry

“Chloroplast.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/chloroplast. Accessed 29 Sep. 2023.

Kids Definition

chloroplast

noun
chlo·​ro·​plast ˈklōr-ə-ˌplast How to pronounce chloroplast (audio)
ˈklȯr-
: a cellular part that contains chlorophyll and is the location of photosynthesis

Medical Definition

chloroplast

noun
chlo·​ro·​plast ˈklōr-ə-ˌplast, ˈklȯr- How to pronounce chloroplast (audio)
: a plastid that contains chlorophyll and is the site of photosynthesis and starch formation
chloroplastic adjective

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