thallus

noun

thal·​lus ˈtha-ləs 

plural thalli 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

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

1829, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

thallus

noun

thal·​lus ˈthal-əs 

plural thalli 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