theca

noun

the·​ca ˈthē-kə How to pronounce theca (audio)
plural thecae ˈthē-ˌsē How to pronounce theca (audio)
-ˌkē
: an enveloping sheath or case of an animal or animal part
thecal adjective

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Greek thēkē case — more at tick entry 4

First Known Use

circa 1666, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of theca was circa 1666

Dictionary Entries Near theca

Cite this Entry

“Theca.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/theca. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Medical Definition

theca

noun
the·​ca ˈthē-kə How to pronounce theca (audio)
plural thecae ˈthē-ˌsē How to pronounce theca (audio) -ˌkē How to pronounce theca (audio)
: an enveloping case or sheath (as the theca folliculi) of an anatomical part

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