First Known Use: 1848
Dictionary
protoplasm
noun pro·to·plasm \ˈprō-tə-ˌpla-zəm\
biology : the usually colorless substance that is the living part of animal and plant cells
Full Definition of PROTOPLASM
1
: the organized colloidal complex of organic and inorganic substances (as proteins and water) that constitutes the living nucleus, cytoplasm, plastids, and mitochondria of the cell
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Origin of PROTOPLASM
German Protoplasma, from prot- + New Latin plasma
PROTOPLASMIC Defined for Kids
protoplasm
noun pro·to·plasm \ˈprō-tə-ˌpla-zəm\
Definition of PROTOPLASM for Kids
: the usually colorless and jellylike living part of cells
Medical Dictionary
protoplasm
noun pro·to·plasm \ˈprōt-ə-ˌplaz-əm\
Medical Definition of PROTOPLASM
1
: the organized colloidal complex of organic and inorganic substances (as proteins and water) that constitutes the living nucleus, cytoplasm, plastids, and mitochondria of the cell and is regarded as the only form of matter in which the vital phenomena (as metabolism and reproduction) are manifested
2
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