spheroplast

noun

sphe·​ro·​plast ˈsfir-ə-ˌplast  ˈsfer- 

: a bacterium or yeast cell that is modified (as by enzymatic action) so that there is partial loss of the cell wall and increased osmotic sensitivity

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1920, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

spheroplast

noun

sphe·​ro·​plast ˈsfir-ə-ˌplast  ˈsfer- 

: a bacterium or yeast cell that has been modified by nutritional or environmental factors or by artificial means (as by the use of a lysozyme) and that is characterized by partial loss of the cell wall and by increased osmotic sensitivity