somatoplasm: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very LowTechnical/Historical (Biology)
Quick answer
What does “somatoplasm” mean?
The protoplasm of the body cells of an organism, as distinguished from the germ plasm.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The protoplasm of the body cells of an organism, as distinguished from the germ plasm.
In historical biology, the physical, somatic, and mortal substance of the body, seen as separate from the hereditary germ line.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
None; term is equally rare and technical in both varieties.
Connotations
None beyond its specific, dated scientific meaning.
Frequency
Extremely rare in contemporary use, found primarily in historical scientific texts.
Grammar
How to Use “somatoplasm” in a Sentence
The somatoplasm is distinct from......distinguished the somatoplasm from the germ plasm.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “somatoplasm” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The somatoplasmic theory is now outdated.
- He discussed somatoplasmic inheritance (a contradictory concept).
American English
- The somatoplasmic theory is now obsolete.
- She wrote about somatoplasmic characteristics.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not applicable.
Academic
Used only in historical reviews of biological theory or critiques of inheritance models.
Everyday
Not used.
Technical
The primary domain, though now obsolete. Used in historical discussions of genetics and cytology.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “somatoplasm”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “somatoplasm”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “somatoplasm”
- Misspelling as 'somatoplasim' or 'somatoplasma'.
- Using it as a synonym for 'cytoplasm'.
- Assuming it is a current, active term in genetics.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is an archaic term from late 19th/early 20th-century biology, primarily associated with August Weismann's germ plasm theory. Modern genetics uses different terminology.
Cytoplasm is the material within a living cell, excluding the nucleus. Somatoplasm is a historical term referring to the collective protoplasm of all the somatic (body) cells of an organism, seen as distinct from the germ cells.
It was historically important for arguing that acquired characteristics (changes in the somatoplasm) could not be inherited, as heredity was controlled solely by the germ plasm. This influenced early genetics.
No, it is a highly technical, dated term. Using it in everyday language would be incorrect and confusing. Use 'body', 'somatic cells', or 'physical substance' instead.
The protoplasm of the body cells of an organism, as distinguished from the germ plasm.
Somatoplasm is usually technical/historical (biology) in register.
Somatoplasm: in British English it is pronounced /ˈsəʊmətəʊˌplaz(ə)m/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈsoʊmətoʊˌplæzəm/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
SOMATOplasm = SOMATIC (body-related) + PLASM (living substance). Think of the body's mortal substance.
Conceptual Metaphor
Somatoplasm is the expendable 'vehicle' carrying the immortal 'passenger' (germ plasm).
Practice
Quiz
The term 'somatoplasm' is most closely associated with which historical concept?