Main Entry: pa·ren·chy·ma

Pronunciation: \pə-ˈreŋ-kə-mə\

Function: noun

Etymology: New Latin, from Greek, visceral flesh, from parenchein to pour in beside, from para- + en- en- + chein to pour — more at found

Date: 1615

1 : the essential and distinctive tissue of an organ or an abnormal growth as distinguished from its supportive framework
2 : a tissue of higher plants that consists of thin-walled living photosynthetic or storage cells capable of division even when mature and that makes up much of the substance of leaves and roots, the pulp of fruits, and parts of stems and supporting structures

— pa·ren·chy·mal \pə-ˈreŋ-kə-məl, ˌpa-rən-ˈkī\ adjective

— par·en·chy·ma·tous \ˌpa-rən-ˈkī-mə-təs, -ˈki-\ adjective