noun
Uncommon
biomass
BY-oh-mass
Biomass (noun) means the total mass of living things, either in one organism or in all the organisms in a particular area or habitat. Example: “Scientists measured the fish biomass in the lake.”
noun
1
scientific The total mass of living things, either in one organism or in all the organisms in a particular area or habitat.
"Scientists measured the fish biomass in the lake."
"The biomass of the forest fell after the fire."
"Plant biomass is higher in wet regions."
2
Organic matter from recently living things, especially plants, that is burned or processed to produce heat, power or fuel.
"The power station burns biomass instead of coal."
"Wood pellets are a common form of biomass."
"Many countries are investing in biomass energy."
How to use biomass
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe weight of living material, or plant-based material burned for energy.
When to use it
It is a scientific term that is also common in energy and environmental writing.
Memory tip
Treat it as uncountable in most sentences, as in the biomass is increasing.
Trace the full origin ↓
Common pairings
plant biomass
biomass energy
biomass fuel
total biomass
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Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Scientists measured the fish _____ in the lake.
Etymology
The word joins the prefix bio-, meaning organic life, to mass, meaning matter or material.
Frequently asked questions
What is biomass?
It is the total mass of living things, or organic matter from recently living things that is used as fuel.
What is biomass fuel?
It is fuel made from plant matter or other material that was alive only recently.
Is biomass countable?
It is usually uncountable, although the plural biomasses does exist.
What is the meaning of biomass?
"biomass" (noun) means the total mass of living things, either in one organism or in all the organisms in a particular area or habitat.
