plasma: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
MediumTechnical/Scientific
Quick answer
What does “plasma” mean?
The liquid component of blood in which blood cells are suspended.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The liquid component of blood in which blood cells are suspended.
1. A state of matter consisting of ionized gas with distinct physical properties. 2. In physics and engineering, the ionized gas state. 3. In technology, the display technology using ionized gas cells. 4. In geology, a type of green quartz.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. The medical and physics terms are identical. Spelling differences may appear in related adjectives (e.g., 'plasmatic' variations).
Connotations
In both regions, 'blood plasma' is strictly medical, while 'plasma' alone in non-scientific contexts strongly connotes television technology.
Frequency
Slightly higher frequency in American English due to broader marketing of 'plasma' TVs historically; medical term frequency equal.
Grammar
How to Use “plasma” in a Sentence
Noun + of + plasma (e.g., 'a unit of plasma')Adjective + plasma (e.g., 'ionized plasma')Plasma + noun (e.g., 'plasma donation')Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “plasma” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The gas was plasmatised in the reactor.
American English
- The device plasmatizes the incoming fuel.
adverb
British English
- The substance reacted plasmatically.
American English
- The material behaved plasmically.
adjective
British English
- The plasmatic properties were studied.
- They bought a new plasma screen.
American English
- The plasmic flow was unstable.
- They bought a new plasma TV.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in specific industries (e.g., 'plasma display sales').
Academic
Common in medical, physics, and engineering papers.
Everyday
Mostly associated with television technology ('plasma TV').
Technical
Precise term in hematology (blood), physics (state of matter), and electrical engineering.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “plasma”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “plasma”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “plasma”
- Using 'plasma' to mean any liquid (only specific to blood component).
- Confusing 'plasma' with 'platelets' or 'serum' in medical contexts.
- Pronouncing with a short 'a' in British English (should be long /ɑː/).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, they are homographs. Blood plasma is a liquid biological component. Physics plasma is a fourth state of matter (ionized gas). They share the Greek root meaning 'moulded substance' but refer to different concepts.
Rarely and only in highly technical contexts (e.g., engineering: 'to plasmatize'). It is not standard in general English.
Less so, as the technology has been largely superseded by LED and OLED displays. The term remains understood historically.
The vowel in the first syllable: British English uses a long /ɑː/ ('plahz-ma'), while American English uses a short /æ/ ('plaz-ma').
The liquid component of blood in which blood cells are suspended.
Plasma is usually technical/scientific in register.
Plasma: in British English it is pronounced /ˈplazmə/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈplæzmə/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
PLASMA: Parts Liquid And Serum Make Blood – Also Stars' Main Atmosphere.
Conceptual Metaphor
Energy source (plasma as a 'powerful', 'energized' state, e.g., 'plasma torch cuts through metal').
Practice
Quiz
In which field is the term 'plasma' LEAST likely to be used in its technical sense?