chromoplasm: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very LowHighly Technical / Scientific
Quick answer
What does “chromoplasm” mean?
The non-nucleoplasmic, colored material within a chloroplast, where photosynthesis occurs.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The non-nucleoplasmic, colored material within a chloroplast, where photosynthesis occurs.
The pigmented, granular part of a chloroplast, distinct from the colorless stroma.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant usage differences. The term is equally obscure and technical in both varieties.
Connotations
Exclusively academic, historical, or ultra-technical.
Frequency
Extremely rare in modern texts, found primarily in older botanical literature.
Grammar
How to Use “chromoplasm” in a Sentence
The chromoplasm of [a/the chloroplast]Chromoplasm consists of [pigments/proteins]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “chromoplasm” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The chromoplasmic material was analysed.
American English
- Chromoplasmic structures were visible under the microscope.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Never used.
Academic
Used only in historical botany or highly specialized cell biology contexts.
Everyday
Never used.
Technical
The sole context. Even here, it's considered an outdated term.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “chromoplasm”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “chromoplasm”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “chromoplasm”
- Confusing it with 'cytoplasm' or 'nucleoplasm'.
- Using it in modern scientific writing where 'grana' or 'thylakoids' is appropriate.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is an extremely rare and technical term, considered outdated in modern biology.
Only when reading historical or highly specialised botanical literature from the early to mid-20th century.
Chromoplasm refers to the pigmented, light-capturing part of a chloroplast, while stroma is the colorless, fluid-filled matrix where the Calvin cycle (carbon fixation) occurs.
No. You should use contemporary terminology such as 'thylakoid membranes', 'grana', or 'photosynthetic apparatus'.
The non-nucleoplasmic, colored material within a chloroplast, where photosynthesis occurs.
Chromoplasm is usually highly technical / scientific in register.
Chromoplasm: in British English it is pronounced /ˈkrəʊməʊplæzəm/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈkroʊmoʊplæzəm/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “No idioms exist for this highly technical term.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think 'CHROMe' (color) + 'PLASM' (material) – the colored material inside a plant cell's chloroplast.
Conceptual Metaphor
THE FACTORY'S ASSEMBLY LINE (where chromoplasm is the specialized section where light is captured and processed).
Practice
Quiz
What is the modern, more common term for the concept historically labelled 'chromoplasm'?