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hypothallus

American  
[hahy-puh-thal-uhs, hip-uh-] / ˌhaɪ pəˈθæl əs, ˌhɪp ə- /

noun

plural

hypothalli
  1. a layer of hyphae rimming the thallus of certain lichens.

  2. a filmlike residue at the base of the sporangia of certain slime molds.


Etymology

Origin of hypothallus

From New Latin, dating back to 1850–55; hypo-, thallus

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The peridium blends with the hypothallus below when such structure is recognizable, either directly, when the sporangium is sessile, or by the intervention of a stipe.

From Project Gutenberg

The lowest layer a membranous hypothallus.

From Project Gutenberg

Sporangia elongate, clustered, pendulous, yellow or grayish yellow, generally stipitate on long flaccid stalks, or sessile and interlacing: stipes yellow, blending with the hypothallus; capillitium intricate, expanding at maturity after the manner of Arcyria to several times the sporangial length, the nodules small, yellow; spores nearly smooth, violaceous-brown, 5–6 �.

From Project Gutenberg

Sporangia scattered or closely aggregate, crowded globose or sub-globose, generally sessile, rugulose, white; the peridium membranous, white above, below yellowish or brown; capillitium not abundant, thoroughly calcareous, the nodes broad, conspicuous, the connecting tubules rigid; columella none; hypothallus scant or none; spore-mass black, spores non-adherent, by transmitted light bright clear brown, thickly spinulose all over, large spherical, 12–15 �.

From Project Gutenberg

Sporangia gregarious, globose, large, stipitate, iridescent-gray; the peridium thin, translucent, and containing but little calcareous deposits, smooth or slightly rugulose; stipe very short, but generally distinct, black or very dark brown; hypothallus none; capillitium a network of large meshes with expanded nodes, prominent, white, persistent after the spores have been blown away; spore-mass deep brown; spores adherent as in B. capsulifera, marked in much the same way, and about the same size, 10–12.5 � Distinguished by its short, dark, stipe and adherent spores.

From Project Gutenberg