periplasm
noun
peri·plasm
ˈper-ə-ˌpla-zəm 
: the region in a gram-negative bacterium between the plasma membrane and an outer surrounding membrane that contains especially enzymes and a thin layer of peptidoglycan
Examples of periplasm in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Any drug that wants to get into a Gram-negative bacterium's cell must traverse both membranes and the periplasm—no small feat.
—
Beth Mole, Ars Technica, 5 Jan. 2024
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Beth Mole, Ars Technica, 5 Jan. 2024
Cite this Entry
“Periplasm.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/periplasm. Accessed 9 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share