parenchyma

2 definitions found

parenchyma - Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 :

  parenchyma \pa*ren"chy*ma\ (p[.a]*r[e^][ng]"k[i^]*m[.a]), n.
     [NL., from Gr. pare`gchyma, fr. paregchei^n to pour in
     beside; para` beside + 'en in + chei^n to pour: cf. F.
     parenchyme.] (Biol.)
     The soft cellular substance of the tissues of plants and
     animals, like the pulp of leaves, the soft tissue of glands,
     and the like.
     [1913 Webster]

parenchyma - WordNet (r) 2.1 (2005) :

  parenchyma
      n 1: animal tissue that constitutes the essential part of an
           organ as contrasted with e.g. connective tissue and blood
           vessels
      2: the primary tissue of higher plants composed of thin-walled
         cells that remain capable of cell division even when mature;
         constitutes the greater part of leaves, roots, the pulp of
         fruits, and the pith of stems