cytoplasm

noun cy·to·plasm \ ˈsī-tə-ˌpla-zəm \

Updated on: 13 May 2018

Definition of cytoplasm

: the organized complex of inorganic and organic substances external to the nuclear membrane of a cell and including the cytosol and membrane-bound organelles (such as mitochondria or chloroplasts) — see cell illustration

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cytoplasmic

play \ˌsī-tə-ˈplaz-mik\ adjective

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cytoplasmically

play \ˌsī-tə-ˈplaz-mi-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

See cytoplasm defined for kids

Recent Examples of cytoplasm from the Web

Researchers can get them into the cytoplasm by genetically altering cells to produce them, but that's not feasible for most treatments.

— mitch leslie, Science | AAAS, "Mini-antibodies discovered in sharks and camels could lead to drugs for cancer and other diseases," 10 May 2018
To trace how the cells and their progeny changed over time, the researchers equipped some of the single-cell fish embryos with genetic tracers: many tiny pieces of unique DNA, injected into the embryos' cytoplasm.

— elizabeth pennisi, Science | AAAS, "How one cell gives rise to an entire body," 26 Apr. 2018
Branch and bud cells concentrate solutes in their cytoplasm to reduce the freezing point (the same way road de-icing salts work) and export water from the cells to reduce ice crystal formation that can damage delicate cell membranes.

— paul cappiello, The Courier-Journal, "What happens in your Kentucky garden during really cold weather," 5 Jan. 2018
This may mean that too much cytoplasm — the fluid inside cells — ended up in the polar body.

— marissa fessenden, Smithsonian, "Researchers Mature Human Eggs in the Lab for the First Time," 10 Feb. 2018
Up to 60 percent of insect species carry a harmless type of bacteria called Wolbachia in their cytoplasm, the thick mixture of water, salts, and protein that fills every cell.

— andrew howley, National Geographic, "Mosquitoes May Meet Their End Thanks to Marlon Brando," 21 Oct. 2016

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'cytoplasm.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of cytoplasm

International Scientific Vocabulary

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1857

in the meaning defined above

See Words from the same year

Other Cell Biology Terms

cytology, gamete, vacuole, zygote

CYTOPLASM Defined for Kids

cytoplasm

noun cy·to·plasm \ ˈsī-tə-ˌpla-zəm \

Definition of cytoplasm for Students

: the jellylike material that fills most of the space in a cell and surrounds the nucleus

Medical Dictionary

cytoplasm

noun cy·to·plasm \ ˈsīt-ə-ˌplaz-əm \

medical Definition of cytoplasm

: the organized complex of inorganic and organic substances external to the nuclear membrane of a cell and including the cytosol and membrane-bound organelles (as mitochondria or chloroplasts)

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