chalaza

noun

cha·​la·​za kə-ˈlā-zə How to pronounce chalaza (audio) -ˈla- How to pronounce chalaza (audio)
plural chalazae kə-ˈlā-ˌzē How to pronounce chalaza (audio)
-ˈla-
or chalazas
1
: either of two spiral bands in the white of a bird's egg that extend from the yolk and attach to opposite ends of the lining membrane see egg illustration
2
: the basal part of a plant ovule where the nucellus is fused to the surrounding integument and to which the funiculus is usually attached
chalazal adjective

Examples of chalaza in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Bird eggs include a chalaza, a little membrane that holds the yolk in place within the egg, O'Connor said. Ashley Strickland, CNN, 22 Sep. 2021

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Greek, hailstone

First Known Use

1684, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of chalaza was in 1684

Dictionary Entries Near chalaza

Cite this Entry

“Chalaza.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/chalaza. Accessed 11 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

chalaza

noun
cha·​la·​za kə-ˈlā-zə How to pronounce chalaza (audio) -ˈlaz-ə How to pronounce chalaza (audio)
plural chalazae -ˌzē How to pronounce chalaza (audio) or chalazas
: either of two twisted bands in the white of a bird's egg that are located at opposite ends of the egg and extend to the yolk

Medical Definition

chalaza

noun
cha·​la·​za kə-ˈlā-zə How to pronounce chalaza (audio) -ˈlaz-ə How to pronounce chalaza (audio)
plural chalazae -ˌzē How to pronounce chalaza (audio) or chalazas
: either of a pair of spiral bands in the white of a bird's egg that extend from the yolk and attach to opposite ends of the lining membrane
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