metaplasm

[ met-uh-plaz-uhm ]

noun

1. Cell Biology. the nonliving matter or inclusions, as starch or pigments, within a cell.
2. Grammar.
   1. a change in the structure of a word or sentence made by adding, removing, or transposing the sounds or words of which it is composed or the letters that represent them.
   2. the formation of oblique cases from a stem other than that of the nominative.

metaplasm

/ ˈmɛtəˌplæzəm /

noun

1. the nonliving constituents, such as starch and pigment granules, of the cytoplasm of a cell

Derived Forms

• ˌmetaˈplasmic, adjective

Other Words From

• meta·plasmic adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of metaplasm¹

1375–1425; late Middle English metaplasmus “grammatical change, irregularity” < Latin < Greek metaplasmós “reforming, remodeling,” derivative of metaplássein “to mold differently, remodel.” See meta-, -plasm

Example Sentences

Each metaplasm in the body favors the inactive break-up of protoplasm, and so also the formation of new metaplasms.

From Project Gutenberg