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

“Bone collagen,” or “ossein,” constitutes, with calcium salts, the ground substance of bones.

From Project Gutenberg

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.

From Project Gutenberg

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

From Project Gutenberg

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

From Project Gutenberg

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

From Project Gutenberg