biomass

noun

bio·​mass ˈbī-ō-ˌmas 

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

Nuclear energy constituted 9 percent of total consumption, with renewable sources also constituting 9 percent (of these renewable sources, 1 percent was geothermal, 13 percent solar, 9 percent hydroelectric, 18 percent wind, and 59 percent biomass). —Encyclopedia Britannica, 2 Apr. 2026

The yields from real biomass, while improved, are still lower than what would be needed for large-scale industrial use. —Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 29 Mar. 2026

Diesel fuel is the refined product of crude oil and biomass materials, and it is used around the world to power vehicles like freight and delivery trucks, mass transit, ships, and farm and construction equipment. —Hannah Parker, NBC news, 17 Mar. 2026

The government has even directed pollution control boards to allow the use of fuels such as kerosene, biomass, and coal by the hospitality sector, as the world’s most populous country prioritizes LPG supply to households. —Priyanka Salve, CNBC, 13 Mar. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1931, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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 

: the amount of living matter (as in a unit area or volume of habitat)