cytoplasm

noun

cy·​to·​plasm ˈsī-tə-ˌpla-zəm 

: the organized complex of inorganic and organic substances external to the nuclear membrane of a cell and including the cytosol and membrane-bound organelles (such as mitochondria or chloroplasts) see cell illustration

cytoplasmic

ˌsī-tə-ˈplaz-mik 

adjective

cytoplasmically

ˌsī-tə-ˈplaz-mi-k(ə-)lē 

adverb

Examples of cytoplasm in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

In addition, the cell cytoplasm, so the bulk of the cell, seems to shrink. —Steven Strogatz, Quanta Magazine, 5 Dec. 2024

During transcription, messenger RNA molecules transcribe the gene and carry the genetic information out of the nucleus to the cytoplasm, where it can be translated into a protein. —William A. Haseltine, Forbes, 1 Nov. 2024

Normally, only small amounts of tau can be found in the cytoplasm or the cellular fluid. —William A. Haseltine, Forbes, 25 Oct. 2024

Part 4 details the dynamics that occur in the cytoplasm after division. —Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 17 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary

First Known Use

1857, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

cytoplasm

noun

cy·​to·​plasm ˈsīt-ə-ˌplaz-əm 

: the part of a cell outside the nucleus that includes a fluidlike substance and organelles (as chloroplasts and mitochondria)

cytoplasmic

ˌsīt-ə-ˈplaz-mik 

adjective

Medical Definition

cytoplasm

noun

cy·​to·​plasm ˈsīt-ə-ˌplaz-əm 

: the organized complex of inorganic and organic substances external to the nuclear membrane of a cell and including the cytosol and membrane-bound organelles (as mitochondria or chloroplasts)

cytoplasmic

ˌsīt-ə-ˈplaz-mik 

adjective

cytoplasmically

-mi-k(ə-)lē 

adverb