thallus

thal·lus

noun \ˈtha-ləs\

plural thal·li\ˈtha-ˌlī, -ˌlē\ or thal·lus·es

Definition of THALLUS

: a plant body that lacks differentiation into distinct parts (as stem, leaves, and roots), does not grow from an apical point, and is characteristic of organisms formerly classified as thallophytes

Origin of THALLUS

New Latin, from Greek thallos, from thallein to sprout; akin to Armenian dalar green, fresh, Albanian dal I come forth

First Known Use: 1829

Rhymes with THALLUS

balas, callous, callus, chalice, gallus, malice, palace, Pallas, phallus