biomass

Definition

The total mass of a living thing or a part thereof (such as a cell).

Etymology

From bio- (prefix denoting organic life) + mass (“matter, material”).

Example Sentences

• "Since protein constitutes the majority of the biomass of a cell, building new protein is a major way that cells increase their size."
• "In the untouched Shangri-la-like Kingman Reef in the Line Islands in the central Pacific, sharks make up 75 per cent of the fish biomass."
• "Advanced technologies such as gasifier/gas turbine systems for electric power generation and fuel cells for transportation make it possible for biomass to provide a substantial share of world energy in the decades ahead, at competitive costs."

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