alloplasm

noun

al·​lo·​plasm

plural -s

: differentiated active protoplasm (as myofibrils, tonofibrils, and cilia)

also : certain protoplasmic derivatives (as cell walls or intercellular substances)

alloplasmatic

-ˌplaz¦matik

adjective

alloplasmic

¦⸗⸗¦plazmik

adjective

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary all- + -plasm; probably back-formation from alloplasmatic, from all- + plasmatic; originally formed as German alloplasmatisch

First Known Use

circa 1939, in the meaning defined above

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

• More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
• Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
• Advanced search features
• Ad free!