collenchyma

[ kuh-leng-kuh-muh ]

noun

, Botany.

1. a layer of modified tissue consisting of cells that are thickened at the angles and usually elongated.

collenchyma

/ ˌkɒlənˈkɪmətəs; kəˈlɛŋkɪmə /

noun

1. a strengthening and supporting tissue in plants, consisting of elongated living cells whose walls are thickened with cellulose and pectins

collenchyma

/ kə-lĕng′kə-mə /

1. A supportive tissue of plants, consisting of elongated living cells with unevenly thickened, nonlignified walls. Collenchyma cells remain alive at maturity.
2. Compare parenchyma

Derived Forms

• collenchymatous, adjective

Other Words From

• col·len·chym·a·tous [kol-, uh, n-, kim, -, uh, -t, uh, s], col·len·chy·mat·ic [k, uh, -leng-k, uh, -, mat, -ik], adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of collenchyma¹

1825–35; < New Latin < Greek kóll ( a ) glue + énchyma contents ( en- en- ² + chy-, stem of cheîn to pour + -ma noun suffix denoting result of action)

Word History and Origins

Origin of collenchyma¹

C19: New Latin, from Greek kolla glue + enkhuma infusion

Example Sentences

Cork cells, X, formed from the cork cambium, C.Ca: the cells developed on the inside of the latter, Cl, are termed collenchyma, and go to add to the cortex.

From Project Gutenberg