protoplasm

English

Etymology

From German Protoplasma, coined by Czech physiologist Jan Evangelista Purkyně, from Ancient Greek πρῶτος (prôtos, “first”) + πλάσμα (plásma, “something molded”). By surface analysis, proto- +‎ -plasm. Compare also protoplasma, used in Late Latin for the “first-created one” (i.e. Adam).

Pronunciation

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Noun

protoplasm (countable and uncountable, plural protoplasms)

  1. (cytology) The entire contents of a cell comprising the nucleus and the cytoplasm. It is a semi-fluid, transparent substance which is the living matter of plant and animal cells.

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Further reading

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