plasmolysis

[ plaz-mol-uh-sis ]

nounBotany.

contraction of the protoplasm in a living cell when water is removed by exosmosis.

Origin of plasmolysis

First recorded in 1880–85; plasmo- + -lysis

Other words from plasmolysis

plas·mo·lyt·ic [plaz-muh-lit-ik], /ˌplæz məˈlɪt ɪk/, adjective
plas·mo·lyt·i·cal·ly, adverb

Words Nearby plasmolysis

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024

How to use plasmolysis in a sentence

Sap vacuoles must be distinguished from spores, on the one hand, and the vacuolated appearance due to plasmolysis, on the other.
The Elements of Bacteriological Technique | John William Henry Eyre
It is invisible in the living cell but is evident in plasmolysis.
The Diatomaceae of Philadelphia and Vicinity | Charles Sumner Boyer
A diminution of turgor may, on the other hand, be produced by withdrawal of water through plasmolysis.
Life Movements in Plants | Sir Jagadis Chunder Bose
Maceration, freezing and plasmolysis alike yield poor results.
Alcoholic Fermentation | Arthur Harden

British Dictionary definitions for plasmolysis

plasmolysis

/ (plæzˈmɒlɪsɪs) /

noun

the shrinkage of protoplasm away from the cell walls that occurs as a result of excessive water loss, esp in plant cells: See exosmosis

Derived forms of plasmolysis

plasmolytic (ˌplæzməˈlɪtɪk), adjective
plasmolytically, adverb

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Scientific definitions for plasmolysis

plasmolysis

[ plăz-mŏl′ĭ-sĭs ]

Plural plasmolyses (plăz-mŏl′ĭ-sēz′)

Shrinkage or contraction of the protoplasm away from the wall of a living plant or bacterial cell, caused by loss of water through osmosis. It results in loss of turgor and, in plants, wilting of the stems and leaves. If too severe, it can be fatal to the cell.

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