cytoplasm

noun

cy·​to·​plasm ˈsī-tə-ˌpla-zəm 

: the organized complex of inorganic and organic substances external to the nuclear membrane of a cell and including the cytosol and membrane-bound organelles (such as mitochondria or chloroplasts) see cell illustration

cytoplasmic

ˌsī-tə-ˈplaz-mik 

adjective

cytoplasmically

ˌsī-tə-ˈplaz-mi-k(ə-)lē 

adverb

Examples of cytoplasm in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

In the early 1900’s, mosquito researchers discovered that the bacteria itself affects the cytoplasm of host cells, changing their reproductive capabilities. — New Atlas, 1 Oct. 2026

In nonmuscle cells myosin is found in the cytoplasm, often associated with actin networks beneath the cell membrane or within the cell interior. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 3 Apr. 2026

The result is a biochemical system in which the crowdedness of the cytoplasm reflects a cell’s growth and health, Holt said. — Quanta Magazine, 18 Feb. 2026

Surrounding that and protected by an outer shell is the cytoplasm, a frothy liquid of protein-synthesizing ribosomes, energy-producing mitochondria, energy-storing lipids, and the like. — Literary Hub, 28 Oct. 2025

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary

First Known Use

1857, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for cytoplasm

• germplasm
• phantasm
• sarcasm
• bronchospasm
• ectoplasm
• neoplasm
• protoplasm
• vasospasm
• chasm
• chiasm
• nazim
• plasm

Kids Definition

cytoplasm

noun

cy·​to·​plasm ˈsīt-ə-ˌplaz-əm 

: the part of a cell outside the nucleus that includes a fluidlike substance and organelles (as chloroplasts and mitochondria)

cytoplasmic

ˌsīt-ə-ˈplaz-mik 

adjective

Medical Definition

cytoplasm

noun

cy·​to·​plasm ˈsīt-ə-ˌplaz-əm 

: the organized complex of inorganic and organic substances external to the nuclear membrane of a cell and including the cytosol and membrane-bound organelles (as mitochondria or chloroplasts)

cytoplasmic

ˌsīt-ə-ˈplaz-mik 

adjective

cytoplasmically

-mi-k(ə-)lē 

adverb