# biomass

/ˈbaɪəmæs/ (US) · /bˌaɪəʊmˈæs/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/biomass
Updated: 2026-08-08

## Senses

### 1. organic fuel

noun · CEFR C1 · Technical

plant or animal material used as a source of fuel to produce heat or electricity.

For teachers: organic matter, especially plant-based material, processed for use as a biofuel or renewable energy source.

- The power plant burns biomass like wood chips to create electricity for the town.
- The transition to biomass energy has sparked debate regarding the sustainability of large-scale wood pellet production for international export.

Usage: Uncountable in this context.

### 2. total biological mass

noun · CEFR C1 · Technical

the total weight of all living things in a specific area or environment.

For teachers: the total quantity or weight of organisms in a given area or volume.

- Scientists measured the biomass of fish in the coral reef to check its health.
- Ecologists noted a significant decline in insect biomass over the last decade, suggesting a potential collapse in the local food web.

Usage: Usually uncountable, though it can be used countably when comparing different types of biological matter.

Teaching tip: This sense is common in ecology and environmental science to discuss the health of an ecosystem.

## Examples

- Farmers use crop waste as biomass fuel.
- The power plant burns wood chips and agricultural waste to generate electricity from biomass.
- Sustainable biomass production requires careful land management to ensure that carbon sequestration rates exceed the emissions generated during combustion and processing.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.