chalaza Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun basal part of a plant ovule opposite the micropyle; where integument and nucellus are joined
  2. noun one of two spiral bands of tissue connecting the egg yolk to the enclosing membrane at either end of the shell

WordNet


Cha*la"za noun
Etymology
NL., fr. Gr. hail, pimple.
Wordforms
plural E Chalazas, L Chalazæ
Definitions
  1. (Bot.) The place on an ovule, or seed, where its outer coats cohere with each other and the nucleus.
  2. (Biol.) A spiral band of thickened albuminous substance which exists in the white of the bird's egg, and serves to maintain the yolk in its position; the treadle.

Webster 1913