plasma

noun

plas·​ma ˈplaz-mə 

1

: a green faintly translucent quartz

2

[New Latin, from Late Latin]

a

: the fluid part of blood, lymph, or milk as distinguished from suspended material

especially : blood plasma

b

: the juice that can be expressed from muscle

3

: protoplasm

4

: a collection of charged particles (as in the atmospheres of stars or in a metal) containing about equal numbers of positive ions and electrons and exhibiting some properties of a gas but differing from a gas in being a good conductor of electricity and in being affected by a magnetic field

5

: a display (such as a television screen) consisting of discrete cells of plasma sandwiched between two layers of glass and electrodes such that each cell emits light when it receives an electric current

plasmatic

plaz-ˈma-tik 

adjective

Examples of plasma in a Sentence

the plasma that makes up a star

Our new TV is a 50-inch plasma.

Recent Examples on the Web

Additionally, platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy promotes hair growth and speeds up the healing process following surgery. —Kyle J. Russell, USA TODAY, 20 Dec. 2024

While the in-office facial uses lasers, microneedling, and platelet-rich plasma (PRP)to tighten skin, the Metacine system delivers similar effects with two products: plasma and emulsion. —Jenny Berg, Allure, 19 Dec. 2024

Treatments such as platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy, exosome therapy, and hyperbaric oxygen therapy go hand in hand with lifestyle coaching, creating a comprehensive approach to well-being. —William Mullane, Austin American-Statesman, 14 Dec. 2024

These displays are the result of eruptions of electromagnetic radiation, or solar flares, and bubbles of plasma that often burst along with those flares, or coronal mass ejections. —Ty Roush, Forbes, 10 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

German, from Late Latin, something molded, from Greek, from plassein to mold — more at plaster

First Known Use

1517, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing plasma

• blood plasma
• convalescent plasma
• plasma cell
• plasma jet
• plasma membrane
• plasma torch

Kids Definition

plasma

noun

plas·​ma ˈplaz-mə 

1

: the watery part of blood, lymph, or milk

2

: a collection of charged particles that shows some characteristics of a gas but that differs from a gas in being a good conductor of electricity and in being affected by a magnetic field

Medical Definition

plasma

noun

plas·​ma ˈplaz-mə 

1

a

: the fluid part especially of blood, lymph, or milk that is distinguished from suspended material see blood plasma

b

: the juice that can be expressed from muscle

2

: protoplasm

3

: a mixture of starch and gel used as an ointment base