chalaza

[ kuh-ley-zuh ]

noun

, plural cha·la·zas, cha·la·zae [k, uh, -, ley, -zee].

1. Zoology. one of the two albuminous twisted cords which fasten an egg yolk to the shell membrane.
2. Botany. the point of an ovule or seed where the integuments are united to the nucellus.

chalaza

/ kəˈleɪzə /

noun

1. one of a pair of spiral threads of albumen holding the yolk of a bird's egg in position
2. the basal part of a plant ovule, where the integuments and nucellus are joined

chalaza

/ kə-lā′zə /

, Plural chalazae kə-lā′zē

1. One of two spiral bands of tissue in an egg that connect the yolk to the lining membrane at either end of the shell.
2. The region of a plant ovule that is opposite the micropyle, where the integuments and nucellus are joined.

Derived Forms

• chaˈlazal, adjective

Other Words From

• cha·lazal cha·la·zi·an [k, uh, -, ley, -zee-, uh, n], adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of chalaza¹

1695–1705; < New Latin < Greek: hail, lump

Word History and Origins

Origin of chalaza¹

C18: New Latin, from Greek: hailstone

Example Sentences

He considers the centre of the hilum as the base, and the chalaza, where it exists, as the natural apex of the seed.

From Project Gutenberg

Seeds larger than Aestivalis, pear-shaped; chalaza roundish.

From Project Gutenberg

Seeds large, usually slightly notched; chalaza rather narrow; raphe a groove.

From Project Gutenberg

Seeds small to very small, slightly notched on top; chalaza depressed, oblong-oval; raphe broad, slightly distinct.

From Project Gutenberg

Seeds two to three of medium size; chalaza oval in shape, slightly distinct; raphe flat, usually inconspicuous, rarely prominent.

From Project Gutenberg