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

But in contrast to land plants, these green algae also have a biomolecular condensate called a pyrenoid within each chloroplast that has a high concentration of enzymes needed to convert carbon dioxide from the air into sugars for energy. —Trevor Grandpre, Scientific American, 14 Aug. 2024

This is the same scenario that produced mitochondria and chloroplasts: Both organelles were formerly free-living bacteria that became symbionts of larger cells and eventually moved in permanently. —Quanta Magazine, 17 July 2024

Similar systems are used by mitochondria and chloroplasts. —John Timmer, Ars Technica, 11 Apr. 2024

Unlike things like mitochondria and chloroplasts, however, the nitroplast is limited to a single lineage of algae. —John Timmer, Ars Technica, 11 Apr. 2024

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary

First Known Use

1887, in the meaning defined above

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