chalazae

1 definition found

chalazae - 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]