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plasma

Primary Information
Secondary Information

Definition

Plasma is the fourth state of matter, after solid, liquid, and gas. It is made up of charged particles, such as electrons and ions. Plasma is found in stars, lightning, and fluorescent lights.

How can the word be used?

The plasma in the blood carries oxygen and nutrients to the cells.

plasma

Different forms of the word

Noun:

  • plasma (the fourth state of matter, a gas-like state of matter that is electrically charged).
  • plasma (the liquid part of blood, excluding the blood cells).
  • plasma (a clear, colourless liquid that is used in some medical procedures).
  • plasma (a state of matter in which atoms or molecules are ionized and have lost some or all of their electrons).

Adjective:

  • plasmatic (of or relating to plasma).

Etymology

The word "plasma" comes from the Greek word "plasma", which means "something molded or formed".

The word "plasma" was first used in English in the 17th century. It was used to refer to the liquid part of blood.

The root of the word "plasma" is the Greek word "plassein", which means "to mold or form".

So, the word "plasma" literally means "something molded or formed". This is a reference to the fact that plasma is a liquid that is formed when blood cells are separated from the blood plasma.

Question

What is plasma?