chalaza

noun

cha·​la·​za kə-ˈlā-zə  -ˈla- 

plural chalazae kə-ˈlā-ˌzē 

-ˈla-

or chalazas

1

: either of two spiral bands in the white of a bird's egg that extend from the yolk and attach to opposite ends of the lining membrane see egg illustration

2

: the basal part of a plant ovule where the nucellus is fused to the surrounding integument and to which the funiculus is usually attached

chalazal

kə-ˈlā-zəl  -ˈla- 

adjective

Examples of chalaza in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Bird eggs include a chalaza, a little membrane that holds the yolk in place within the egg, O'Connor said. —Ashley Strickland, CNN, 22 Sep. 2021

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Greek, hailstone

First Known Use

1684, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

chalaza

noun

cha·​la·​za kə-ˈlā-zə  -ˈlaz-ə 

plural chalazae -ˌzē  or chalazas

: either of two twisted bands in the white of a bird's egg that are located at opposite ends of the egg and extend to the yolk

Medical Definition

chalaza

noun

cha·​la·​za kə-ˈlā-zə  -ˈlaz-ə 

plural chalazae -ˌzē  or chalazas

: either of a pair of spiral bands in the white of a bird's egg that extend from the yolk and attach to opposite ends of the lining membrane