chalaza

2 definitions found

chalaza - Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 :

  Chalaza \Cha*la"za\, n.; pl. E. Chalazas, L. Chalaz[ae].
     [NL., fr. Gr. ? hail, pimple.]
     1. (Bot.) The place on an ovule, or seed, where its outer
        coats cohere with each other and the nucleus.
        [1913 Webster]
  
     2. (Biol.) A spiral band of thickened albuminous substance
        which exists in the white of the bird's egg, and serves to
        maintain the yolk in its position; the treadle.
        [1913 Webster]

chalaza - WordNet (r) 2.1 (2005) :

  chalaza
      n 1: basal part of a plant ovule opposite the micropyle; where
           integument and nucellus are joined
      2: one of two spiral bands of tissue connecting the egg yolk to
         the enclosing membrane at either end of the shell