cytosol

noun

cy·​to·​sol ˈsī-tə-ˌsȯl How to pronounce cytosol (audio)
-ˌsäl
: the fluid portion of the cytoplasm exclusive of organelles and membranes

called also ground substance

cytosolic
ˌsī-tə-ˈsȯ-lik How to pronounce cytosol (audio)
-ˈsä-
adjective

Examples of cytosol in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Inside Thiolava is a high concentration of elemental sulfur dissolved in the cytosol -- the soup base of the cell. — Scientific American Blog Network, 21 Apr. 2017 Instead, once placed into the cytosol of cells, the mRNA vaccine trains cells to create the proteins needed to fight, for instance, COVID-19 or influenza. — New Atlas, 14 Nov. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1965, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of cytosol was in 1965

Browse Nearby Words

cytoskeleton
cytosol
Cytospora
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Cytosol.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cytosol. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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Medical Definition

cytosol

noun
cy·​to·​sol ˈsīt-ə-ˌsäl, -ˌsȯl How to pronounce cytosol (audio)
: the fluid portion of the cytoplasm exclusive of organelles and membranes

called also hyaloplasm, ground substance

cytosolic
ˌsīt-ə-ˈsäl-ik, -ˈsȯl- How to pronounce cytosol (audio)
adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on cytosol

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about cytosol

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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