Definition

The jelly-like substance inside a cell that surrounds the nucleus and contains various organelles and materials necessary for the cell's functions.

Example

The cytoplasm is where most of the cell's metabolic processes occur.

Conversation

Did you know that the cytoplasm is where most of a cell's activities happen?

Really? I always thought it was just the space between the nucleus and the membrane.

It's actually a lot more than that; it contains all the organelles too.

That's cool! I need to read up more on cell biology.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Cytoplasm → It is formed from "cyto-" (from Greek "kytos", meaning cell) and "plasma" (from Greek "plasma", meaning something molded or formed). The word "cytoplasm" refers to the material within a cell, excluding the nucleus, that is molded or formed within the cell's membrane.

Memory Tip

Think of 'cell' ('cyto-') and 'something molded' ('plasma') to remember that cytoplasm is the material formed within a cell.

Visually Confused Words