Definition of parenchyma
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
From the M-W Editors
Origin and Etymology of parenchyma
New Latin, from Greek, visceral flesh, from parenchein to pour in beside, from para- + en- en- + chein to pour — more at found
First Known Use: 1615
Medical Dictionary
parenchyma
playMedical Definition of parenchyma
: the essential and distinctive tissue of an organ or an abnormal growth as distinguished from its supportive framework
Learn More about parenchyma
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Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about parenchyma
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