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germ plasm

noun

  1. the protoplasm of the germ cells containing the chromosomes.


germ plasm

noun

    1. the part of a germ cell that contains hereditary material; the chromosomes and genes
    2. the germ cells collectively Compare somatoplasm
“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
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Word History and Origins

Origin of germ plasm1

First recorded in 1885–90
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Example Sentences

Although dismaying to some Lee fans, the belated publication of “Watchman,” an apprentice work containing the germ plasm of “Mockingbird,” cast light on the virtues and limitations of the author and her canonical novel.

This old plant stuff also became the germ plasm that Mr. Grant has tapped to breed and select new ornamentals.

Some would-be architects of our future look toward a time when we will be able to alter the human germ plasm by design.

If a new disease or pest were to wipe out a strain of wheat, for example, it’s probable that the germ plasm at Svalbard could be used to breed in resistance.

They explain how a unique combination of trace minerals, germ plasm, organic alpine soil and unique climatic conditions give it “supernatural” qualities.

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