plasma

/ˈplæzmə/
noun
  1. The clear, liquid part of blood that carries blood cells and nutrients throughout the body.
    • Donating plasma helps people with medical conditions who need this part of the blood.
    • The doctor ordered a test to check the levels of glucose in the patient's plasma.
    • Plasma makes up about 55% of the total volume of human blood.
  2. A gas-like state of matter consisting of charged particles, found in stars, lightning, and fluorescent lights.
    • Neon signs work by passing electricity through a gas to create glowing plasma.
    • The sun is made mostly of plasma, a super-hot gas of charged particles.
    • Scientists study plasma to understand how fusion energy could be used for power.
  3. A green, translucent variety of quartz used as a gemstone.
    • The ancient Romans carved seals and jewelry from plasma, a type of green quartz.
    • She wore a necklace with a smooth plasma stone that shimmered in the light.
    • Plasma is sometimes confused with jade because of its similar green color.
Synonyms