sclerenchyma

[ skli-reng-kuh-muh ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

noun

, Botany.

sclerenchyma

/ sklɪəˈrɛŋkɪmə; ˌsklɪərɛŋˈkɪmətəs /

a supporting tissue in plants consisting of dead cells with very thick lignified walls

sclerenchyma

/ sklə-rĕng′kə-mə /

A supportive tissue of vascular plants, consisting of thick-walled, usually lignified cells. Sclerenchyma cells normally die upon reaching maturity but continue to fulfill their structural purpose in the plant. There are two types of sclerenchyma cells: fiber cells and sclereids.
Compare collenchyma

scle·ren·chym·a·tous [skleer-eng-, kim, -, uh, -t, uh, s, skler-], adjective

First recorded in 1860–65; scler- + (par)enchyma

C19: from sclero- + parenchyma

The minute inner filaments of sclerenchyma are never continued far up the stalk, and are sometimes wanting altogether.

One series consists of small bundles lying inside the sclerenchyma ring at the base of each of the connecting bands.

It is this great development of sclerenchyma that makes the outer portion of the cortex hard.

On both sides of the larger vascular bundle there are bands of sclerenchyma.

All the vascular bundles in the leaves of Eragrostis Willdenoviana are provided with sclerenchyma on both the sides.

April 19, 2024tortuous

[tawr-choo-uhs ]

Start each day with the Word of the Day in your inbox!

By clicking "Sign Up", you are accepting Dictionary.com Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policies.

Browse