protoplast

noun

pro·​to·​plast ˈprō-tə-ˌplast 

1

: one that is formed first : prototype

2

: a plant cell that has had its cell wall removed

also : the nucleus, cytoplasm, and plasma membrane of a cell as distinguished from inert walls and inclusions

Examples of protoplast in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The cells that star in the team’s wall-building video were protoplasts of Arabidopsis, a small flowering plant belonging to the same family as cabbage and mustard. — ArsTechnica, 4 Apr. 2025

Once the setup was ready, the team fired it up and left the protoplasts in there for 24 hours. — ArsTechnica, 4 Apr. 2025

Moisturize with Shiseido Waso Clear Mega-Hydrating Cream, made with whole carrot protoplasts (what's left of the cell when its wall dissolves). — Maya McDowell, Seventeen, 21 May 2019

Word History

Etymology

Middle French protoplaste, from Late Latin protoplastus first human, from Greek prōtoplastos first formed, from prōt- prot- + plastos formed, from plassein to mold — more at plaster

First Known Use

1532, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for protoplast

• chloroplast
• epiblast
• fibroblast
• opencast
• overcast
• rebroadcast
• telecast
• trophoblast
• ultrafast
• unsurpassed
• aghast
• amassed

Medical Definition

protoplast

noun

pro·​to·​plast ˈprōt-ə-ˌplast 

: the nucleus, cytoplasm, and plasma membrane of a cell as distinguished from inert walls and inclusions