stroma

stro·ma

noun \ˈstrō-mə\

plural stro·ma·ta\-mə-tə\

Definition of STROMA

1

a : a compact mass of fungal hyphae producing perithecia or pycnidia b : the colorless proteinaceous matrix of a chloroplast in which the chlorophyll-containing lamellae are embedded

2

a : the supporting framework of an animal organ typically consisting of connective tissue b : the spongy protoplasmic framework of some cells (as a red blood cell)

— stro·mal \-məl\ adjective

Origin of STROMA

New Latin stromat-, stroma, from Latin, bed covering, from Greek strōmat-, strōma, from stornynai to spread out — more at strew

First Known Use: circa 1832

Rhymes with STROMA

chroma, coma, noma, soma, stoma