ground substance

noun

Biology.

1. Also called matrix. the homogeneous substance in which the fibers and cells of connective tissue are embedded.

2. Also called hyaloplasm. the clear portion of the cell cytoplasm; cytosol.

ground substance

1. The intercellular material in which the cells and fibers of connective tissue are embedded, composed largely of glycosaminoglycans, metabolites, water, and ions.

2. The clear, fluid portion of cytoplasm as distinguished from the organelles and other cell components.

Word History and Origins

Origin of ground substance¹

First recorded in 1880–85