thallus

noun thal·lus \ ˈtha-ləs \

Definition of thallus

plural thalli play \ˈtha-ˌlī, -ˌlē\ or thalluses

: a plantlike vegetative body (as of algae, fungi, or mosses) that lacks differentiation into distinct parts (such as stem, leaves, and roots) and does not grow from an apical point

Origin and Etymology of thallus

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

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1829

in the meaning defined above

See Words from the same year

Medical Dictionary

thallus

noun thal·lus \ ˈthal-əs \

medical Definition of thallus

plural thalli play \ˈthal-ˌī, -ˌē\ or thalluses

: a plant or plantlike body (as of an alga, fungus, or moss) that lacks differentiation into distinct members (as stem, leaves, and roots) and does not grow from an apical point