chalaza

noun
cha·​la·​za | \ kə-ˈlā-zə How to pronounce chalaza (audio) , -ˈla- How to pronounce chalaza (audio) \
plural chalazae\ kə-​ˈlā-​ˌzē How to pronounce chalazae (audio) , -​ˈla-​ \ or chalazas

Definition of chalaza

1 : either of two spiral bands in the white of a bird's egg that extend from the yolk and attach to opposite ends of the lining membrane — see egg illustration
2 : the basal part of a plant ovule where the nucellus is fused to the surrounding integument and to which the funiculus is usually attached

Other Words from chalaza

chalazal \ kə-​ˈlā-​zəl How to pronounce chalazal (audio) , -​ˈla-​ How to pronounce chalazal (audio) \ adjective

First Known Use of chalaza

circa 1704, in the meaning defined at sense 1

History and Etymology for chalaza

New Latin, from Greek, hailstone

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More Definitions for chalaza

chalaza

noun
cha·​la·​za | \ kə-ˈlā-zə How to pronounce chalaza (audio) , -ˈlaz-ə How to pronounce chalaza (audio) \
plural chalazae\ -​ˌzē How to pronounce chalazae (audio) \ or chalazas

Medical Definition of chalaza

: either of a pair of spiral bands in the white of a bird's egg that extend from the yolk and attach to opposite ends of the lining membrane