endodermis

American  

[en-doh-dur-mis] / ˌɛn doʊˈdɜr mɪs /

noun

Botany.

1. a specialized tissue in the roots and stems of vascular plants, composed of a single layer of modified parenchyma cells forming the inner boundary of the cortex.

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endodermis British  

/ ˌɛndəʊˈdɜːmɪs /

noun

1. botany the specialized innermost layer of cortex in roots and some stems, which controls the passage of water and dissolved substances between the cortex and stele

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endodermis Scientific  

/ ĕn′də-dûr′mĭs /

1. The innermost layer of the cortex that forms a sheath around the vascular tissue of roots and some stems. In the roots the endodermis helps regulate the intake of water and minerals into the vascular tissues from the cortex.

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Etymology

Origin of endodermis

First recorded in 1880–85; endo- + -dermis