paraphysis

noun

pa·​raph·​y·​sis pə-ˈra-fə-səs How to pronounce paraphysis (audio)
plural paraphyses pə-ˈra-fə-ˌsēz How to pronounce paraphysis (audio)
: one of the slender sterile filaments borne among the sporogenous or gametogenous organs in certain ferns, mosses, algae, and fungi

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Greek, sucker, offshoot, from paraphyein to produce at the side, from para- + phyein to bring forth — more at be

First Known Use

1800, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of paraphysis was in 1800

Dictionary Entries Near paraphysis

Cite this Entry

“Paraphysis.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/paraphysis. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.

Medical Definition

paraphysis

noun
pa·​raph·​y·​sis pə-ˈraf-ə-səs How to pronounce paraphysis (audio)
plural paraphyses -ˌsēz How to pronounce paraphysis (audio)
1
: one of the slender sterile often septate filaments of many cryptogamic plants (as fungi) that are borne among the spore- or gamete-forming organs, are single or branched, and are composed of one or more cells
2
: a median evagination of the roof of the telencephalon anterior to the epiphysis of certain lower vertebrates that is present only in the embryo of higher vertebrates

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