Noun: chalaza (chalazae,chalazas) ku'ley-zu
- One of two spiral bands of tissue connecting the egg yolk to the enclosing membrane at either end of the shell
"The chalaza helps keep the yolk centred in the egg"
- Basal part of a plant ovule opposite the micropyle; where integument and nucellus are joined
"The chalaza plays a crucial role in seed development"
Derived forms: chalazae, chalazas
Type of: animal tissue, plant part, plant structure
Encyclopedia: Chalaza