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

Example Sentences

In addition to its use for dress purposes silk gauze is much employed for bolting or sifting flour and other finely ground substances.

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In the 'survival' preparation he found, in addition to the nucleus, two clearly distinct substances: a hyaline ground substance in preponderating amount, and a more scanty, finely granular, fibrillary substance embedded in it.

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Some of them put into the ground substances which are poisonous to themselves or other plants.

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Marriage and the begetting and care of children, is the very ground substance in the life of the community.

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GELATIN, or Gelatine, the substance which passes into solution when “collagen,” the ground substance of bone, cartilage and white fibrous tissue, is treated with boiling water 555 or dilute acids.

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