chloroplast

noun

chlo·​ro·​plast ˈklȯr-ə-ˌplast How to pronounce chloroplast (audio)
: a plastid that contains chlorophyll and is the site of photosynthesis see cell illustration
chloroplastic adjective

Examples of chloroplast in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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Incorporation of photosynthetically active algal chloroplasts in cultured mammalian cells towards photosynthesis in animals. David Faris, Newsweek, 4 Nov. 2024 Zillions of oxygen molecules, released from zillions of chloroplasts around the planet, become the life-sustaining atmosphere that supports Earth’s vast ecological communities. Cody Cottier, Discover Magazine, 4 Nov. 2024 Previous studies had found success in transplanting chloroplasts into yeast, granting them the new ability of photosynthesis. Michael Irving, New Atlas, 30 Oct. 2024 That branch of the eukaryotic family, freshly equipped with green organelles called chloroplasts, evolved into plants and other photosynthesizers. Quanta Magazine, 28 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for chloroplast 

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary

First Known Use

1887, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of chloroplast was in 1887

Dictionary Entries Near chloroplast

Cite this Entry

“Chloroplast.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/chloroplast. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

chloroplast

noun
chlo·​ro·​plast ˈklōr-ə-ˌplast How to pronounce chloroplast (audio)
ˈklȯr-
: a cellular part that contains chlorophyll and is the location of photosynthesis

Medical Definition

chloroplast

noun
chlo·​ro·​plast ˈklōr-ə-ˌplast, ˈklȯr- How to pronounce chloroplast (audio)
: a plastid that contains chlorophyll and is the site of photosynthesis and starch formation
chloroplastic adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on chloroplast

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