tapetum

ta·pe·tum

noun \tə-ˈpē-təm\

plural ta·pe·ta\-ˈpē-tə\

Definition of TAPETUM

1

: any of various reflective membranous layers or areas especially of the choroid and retina of the eye

2

: a layer of nutritive cells that invests the sporogenous tissue in the sporangium of vascular plants

Origin of TAPETUM

New Latin, from Latin tapete carpet, tapestry, from Greek tapēt-, tapēs carpet

First Known Use: 1713