mesophyll

[ mez-uh-fil, mes-, mee-zuh-, -suh- ]

noun

, Botany.

1. the parenchyma, usually containing chlorophyll, that forms the interior parts of a leaf.

mesophyll

/ ˈmɛsəʊˌfɪl /

noun

1. the soft chlorophyll-containing tissue of a leaf between the upper and lower layers of epidermis: involved in photosynthesis

mesophyll

/ mĕz′ə-fĭl′ /

1. The tissues of a leaf that are located in between the layers of epidermis and carry on photosynthesis, consisting of the palisade layer and the spongy parenchyma . Most mesophyll cells contain chloroplasts.

Derived Forms

• ˌmesoˈphyllic, adjective

Other Words From

• meso·phyllic meso·phyllous adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of mesophyll¹

First recorded in 1830–40; meso- + -phyll

Example Sentences

Leaf perforations are commonly caused by severe hail-storms, the hail-stones beating right through the thin mesophyll.

From Project Gutenberg

It is of interest to note the occurrence of precisely similar elements in the mesophyll of Lepidodendron leaves.

From Project Gutenberg

On many trees of the western part of the range this tissue forms septa across the green mesophyll.

From Project Gutenberg

In longitudinal sections, the cells, except of the mesophyll (green tissue) are much elongated.

From Project Gutenberg