nucellus

[ noo-sel-uhs, nyoo- ]

noun

, Botany.

, plural nu·cel·li [noo-, sel, -ahy, nyoo-].

1. the central cellular mass of the body of the ovule, containing the embryo sac.

nucellus

/ njuːˈsɛləs /

noun

1. the central part of a plant ovule containing the embryo sac

nucellus

/ no̅o̅-sĕl′əs /

, Plural nucelli no̅o̅-sĕl′ī

1. The megasporangium of a seed-bearing plant, located in the ovule. In angiosperms, it is the central portion of the ovule in which the embryo sac develops. In some cases of apomixis (production of seeds without fertilization), cells of the nucellus develop into an embryo.

Derived Forms

• nuˈcellar, adjective

Other Words From

• nu·cellar adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of nucellus¹

1880–85; < New Latin, equivalent to Latin nuc- (stem of nux ) nut + -ella -elle

Word History and Origins

Origin of nucellus¹

C19: New Latin, from Latin nucella, from nux nut

Example Sentences

The vessels of the cord are prolonged to the base of the nucellus n by means of the raphe r.

From Project Gutenberg

The base of the nucellus is indicated by the chalaza ch, while the apex is at the micropyle m.

From Project Gutenberg

The hilum or base of the seed, and the chalaza or base of the nucellus are united by means of the raphe r.

From Project Gutenberg

The connexion between the base of the ovule and the base of the nucellus is kept up by means of the raphe r.

From Project Gutenberg

The point where the integuments are united to the base of the nucellus is called the chalaza (figs. 111, 112).

From Project Gutenberg