cytoplasm

noun cy·to·plasm \ ˈsī-tə-ˌpla-zəm \

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

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
Some of the energy of ATP is used to maintain the structure and function of the mitochondria, but most of it is immediately sent out into the cytoplasm to provide power for other activities.

— rachel carson, The New Yorker, "Silent Spring—III," 1 Jan. 1950

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

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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