protoplasm
|pro-to-plasm|
C1
🇺🇸
/ˈproʊtəˌplæzəm/
🇬🇧
/ˈprəʊtəˌplæzəm/
living cell substance
Etymology
Etymology Information
'protoplasm' originates from Greek, specifically the word 'prōtoplasma,' where 'prōto-' meant 'first' and 'plasma' meant 'something molded.'
Historical Evolution
'prōtoplasma' transformed into the German word 'Protoplasma,' and eventually became the modern English word 'protoplasm.'
Meaning Changes
Initially, it meant 'first formed substance,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'living substance within a cell.'
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
the living substance within a cell, excluding the nucleus, which is responsible for the cell's metabolic activities.
The scientist studied the protoplasm to understand cellular functions.
Synonyms
Last updated: 2025/07/17 10:45