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 Two possibilities stand out: chloroplasts and mitochondria, both organelles that float around inside plant cells. Matthew Hutson, The New Yorker, 6 Feb. 2024 But photosynthesis, which occurs in chloroplasts, produces oxygen, and oxygen destroys nitrogenase. Matthew Hutson, The New Yorker, 6 Feb. 2024 That timing is similar to the origin of the photosynthetic cyanobacteria, which both continue to live independently and have been incorporated into plant cells as chloroplasts. John Timmer, Ars Technica, 3 Jan. 2024 Similarly, plant cells probably acquired chloroplasts, which capture the energy of sunlight, from some early parasite or symbiont. Discover Magazine, 11 Nov. 2019 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

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 Mar. 2024.

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

More from Merriam-Webster on chloroplast

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