spheroplast

noun

sphe·​ro·​plast ˈsfir-ə-ˌplast How to pronounce spheroplast (audio)
ˈsfer-
: a bacterium or yeast cell that is modified (as by enzymatic action) so that there is partial loss of the cell wall and increased osmotic sensitivity

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1920, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of spheroplast was circa 1920

Dictionary Entries Near spheroplast

Cite this Entry

“Spheroplast.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/spheroplast. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Medical Definition

spheroplast

noun
sphe·​ro·​plast ˈsfir-ə-ˌplast How to pronounce spheroplast (audio) ˈsfer- How to pronounce spheroplast (audio)
: a bacterium or yeast cell that has been modified by nutritional or environmental factors or by artificial means (as by the use of a lysozyme) and that is characterized by partial loss of the cell wall and by increased osmotic sensitivity
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