bioplasm: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very Rare / ObsoleteArchaic Scientific
Quick answer
What does “bioplasm” mean?
A term from obsolete biological theory referring to the essential living, formative substance of cells, distinct from non-living matter.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A term from obsolete biological theory referring to the essential living, formative substance of cells, distinct from non-living matter.
In historical scientific contexts, it denoted the hypothetical 'living matter' or protoplasm from which all living organisms were thought to be formed.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No contemporary differences; term is equally obsolete in both varieties.
Connotations
Connotes historical scientific discourse, outdated theory, and the development of biological thought.
Frequency
Extremely rare in modern texts, found only in historical or philosophical discussions of biology.
Grammar
How to Use “bioplasm” in a Sentence
[the] bioplasm (of something)Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Never used.
Academic
Only in historical analysis of scientific theories.
Everyday
Not used.
Technical
Obsolete; replaced by terms like 'cytoplasm', 'protoplasm' (itself now largely historical), and modern cell biology terminology.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “bioplasm”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “bioplasm”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “bioplasm”
- Using it as a modern synonym for 'cytoplasm' or 'protoplasm'. Confusing it with 'biomass'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is an entirely obsolete historical term from 19th-century biological theory and is not used in contemporary science.
The concept was largely absorbed and replaced by 'protoplasm', which itself has been superseded by more precise cell biology terms like 'cytoplasm', 'nucleoplasm', and an understanding of complex cellular biochemistry.
It may be listed in comprehensive or historical dictionaries like the Oxford English Dictionary (OED) with a label such as 'historical' or 'obsolete', but it will not appear in standard learners' or concise dictionaries.
It is useful only for reading historical scientific texts or understanding the history of biological thought. For active vocabulary, it is not recommended.
A term from obsolete biological theory referring to the essential living, formative substance of cells, distinct from non-living matter.
Bioplasm is usually archaic scientific in register.
Bioplasm: in British English it is pronounced /ˈbaɪəʊˌplæzəm/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈbaɪoʊˌplæzəm/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “The bioplasm's spark (historical poetic)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a BIOlogist in the PLASM(a) of history, studying an old concept.
Conceptual Metaphor
THE SUBSTANCE OF LIFE IS A FUNDAMENTAL MATTER.
Practice
Quiz
The term 'bioplasm' is best described as: