biomass

noun

bio·​mass ˈbī-ō-ˌmas How to pronounce biomass (audio)
1
: the amount of living matter (as in a unit area or volume of habitat)
2
: plant materials and animal waste used especially as a source of fuel

Examples of biomass in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
This includes exploring innovative waste-to-energy solutions like plastic-eating bacteria or biomass conversion, which can improve the efficiency of waste management and offer financial incentives for companies to participate. Michael Dennis, Forbes, 4 Mar. 2025 Yet throughout history, no energy source, including traditional biomass of wood and waste, has declined globally in absolute terms over an extended period. Daniel Yergin, Foreign Affairs, 25 Feb. 2025 By 113% The study also estimates that fully protecting all unprotected dive sites could increase marine life (biomass) by 113% on average. Emese MacZko, Forbes, 26 Feb. 2025 The most important role trees play in the environment is absorbing carbon from the atmosphere to store it within their biomass. Malana Van Tyler, USA TODAY, 14 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for biomass

Word History

First Known Use

1931, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of biomass was in 1931

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Cite this Entry

“Biomass.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/biomass. Accessed 3 Apr. 2025.

Kids Definition

biomass

noun
bio·​mass
ˈbī-ō-ˌmas
1
: the amount of living matter (as in an area or volume of habitat)
2
: plant materials and animal waste used especially as a source of fuel

Medical Definition

biomass

noun
bio·​mass -ˌmas How to pronounce biomass (audio)
: the amount of living matter (as in a unit area or volume of habitat)

More from Merriam-Webster on biomass

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