Definition of "germ plasm" [germ• plasm]

• The cytoplasm of a germ cell, especially that part containing the chromosomes. (noun)
• Germ cells as distinguished from other body cells. (noun)
• Hereditary material; genes. Also called plasm. (noun)

American Heritage(R) Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright (c) 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.