plasma
2 synonyms and 0 antonyms for plasma, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A state of matter made of ionized gas, distinct from solid, liquid, or gas, found in stars, lightning, and neon signs.
Synonyms
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use plasma
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Greek plasma, "something molded or formed," via Late Latin.
Full origin of plasma →Frequently asked questions
What does “plasma” mean?
The word “plasma” means a state of matter made of ionized gas, distinct from solid, liquid, or gas, found in stars, lightning, and neon signs. In plain terms, either the fourth state of matter (ionized gas) or the liquid component of blood.
How do you pronounce “plasma”?
“Plasma” is pronounced PLAZ-muh (/ˈplæzmə/ in IPA).
How do you use “plasma” in a sentence?
Here is “plasma” used in a sentence: “The sun's surface is made almost entirely of superheated plasma.”
What part of speech is “plasma”?
“Plasma” is a noun.
Where does the word “plasma” come from?
The word “plasma” comes from Late Latin. From Greek plasma, "something molded or formed," via Late Latin.
Is “plasma” a common word?
“Plasma” is a fairly common word in modern English.
How many meanings does “plasma” have?
“Plasma” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a state of matter made of ionized gas, distinct from solid, liquid, or gas, found in stars, lightning, and neon signs.
What is the difference between plasma in physics and plasma in blood?
In physics, plasma is a state of matter made of ionized gas, found in stars, lightning, and neon signs. In biology, plasma is the pale yellow liquid part of blood that carries cells, proteins, and nutrients — the two share a name but are completely different things.
What is the difference between plasma and serum in blood?
Blood plasma is the liquid portion of blood that still contains its clotting proteins, while serum is what remains after the blood has clotted and those proteins are removed. Both are pale yellow fluids, but plasma includes clotting factors and serum does not.
Why is plasma called the fourth state of matter?
Plasma is often called the fourth state of matter because it is distinct from solid, liquid, and gas. It forms when a gas becomes ionized, and this ionized state makes up stars, lightning, and the glow inside neon signs.
What is the difference between plasma and ordinary gas?
Plasma forms when a gas is energised enough that its atoms lose electrons and become ionized, giving it electrical properties an ordinary gas lacks. So while both can flow, plasma conducts electricity and responds to magnetic fields, unlike a normal gas.