plasma

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   (physical chemistry) a fourth state of matter distinct from solid or liquid or gas and present in stars and fusion reactors

   A gas becomes a plasma when it is heated until the atoms lose all their electrons, leaving a highly electrified collection of nuclei and free electrons.

2. 2
   noun

   A state of matter consisting of partially ionized gas and electrons.

   Plasma arc cutter.

3. 3
   noun

   A clear component of blood or lymph containing fibrin.

   Blood plasma.

4. 4
   noun

   A variety of green quartz, used in ancient times for making engraved ornaments.

   Hair-pins of jade, ivory, and plasma.

Etymology tree Proto-Hellenic *plátʰyō Proto-Hellenic *pláťťō? Ancient Greek πλᾰ́σσω (plắssō) Proto-Indo-European *-mn̥ Ancient Greek -μᾰ (-mă) Ancient Greek πλᾰ́σμᾰ (plắsmă)der. Late Latin plasmader. English plasma From Late Latin plasma (“mold”), from Ancient Greek πλάσμα (plásma, “something formed”).

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