phellem

noun

phel·​lem ˈfe-ˌlem How to pronounce phellem (audio)
: a layer of usually suberized cells produced outwardly by a phellogen

Examples of phellem in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Why not a glorious shoe crafted from the phellem layer of tree-bark tissue? Liana Satenstein, Vogue, 12 May 2022

Word History

Etymology

Greek phellos cork + English -em (as in phloem)

First Known Use

circa 1887, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of phellem was circa 1887

Dictionary Entries Near phellem

Cite this Entry

“Phellem.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/phellem. Accessed 24 Nov. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on phellem

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!