biomass

noun

bio·​mass ˈbī-ō-ˌmas 

1

: the amount of living matter (as in a unit area or volume of habitat)

2

: plant materials and animal waste used especially as a source of fuel

Examples of biomass in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

By 2050, the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry plans for 50 to 60 percent of Japan’s electricity to come from renewables, including biomass, hydropower, geothermal, and offshore wind as well as solar—with a controversial increase in nuclear-power production filling in the gaps. —Hannah Kirshner, The Atlantic, 8 Feb. 2025

While Dawn was initially developed with lignocellulosic biomass (like wood) materials in mind, Avantium trialed and adapted the Dawn Technology to successfully break down and recycle post-consumer polycotton waste textiles. —Alexandra Harrell, Sourcing Journal, 4 Feb. 2025

Now, too much fossil biomass is burned to be absorbed within ancient ecological bounds. —Stephen Pyne, Smithsonian Magazine, 29 Jan. 2025

Plus, transporting and processing biomass can still lead to emissions if not done efficiently. —Swish Goswami, Forbes, 22 Jan. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1931, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

biomass

noun

bio·​mass

ˈbī-ō-ˌmas

1

: the amount of living matter (as in an area or volume of habitat)

2

: plant materials and animal waste used especially as a source of fuel

Medical Definition

biomass

noun

bio·​mass -ˌmas 

: the amount of living matter (as in a unit area or volume of habitat)