sclerenchyma

[ skli-reng-kuh-muh ]

noun

, Botany.

1. supporting or protective tissue composed of thickened, dry, and hardened cells.

sclerenchyma

/ sklɪəˈrɛŋkɪmə; ˌsklɪərɛŋˈkɪmətəs /

noun

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

sclerenchyma

/ sklə-rĕng′kə-mə /

1. 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.
2. Compare collenchyma

Derived Forms

• sclerenchymatous, adjective

Other Words From

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of sclerenchyma¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of sclerenchyma¹

C19: from sclero- + parenchyma

Example Sentences

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

From Project Gutenberg

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

From Project Gutenberg

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

From Project Gutenberg

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

From Project Gutenberg

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

From Project Gutenberg