mesophyll

noun

me·​so·​phyll ˈme-zə-ˌfil How to pronounce mesophyll (audio) ˈmē- How to pronounce mesophyll (audio)
-sə-
: the parenchyma between the epidermal layers of a foliage leaf
mesophyllic
ˌme-zə-ˈfi-lik How to pronounce mesophyll (audio)
ˌmē-
-sə-
adjective
or mesophyllous
ˌme-zə-ˈfi-ləs How to pronounce mesophyll (audio)
ˌmē-,
-sə-

Word History

Etymology

New Latin mesophyllum, from mes- + Greek phyllon leaf — more at blade

First Known Use

1848, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of mesophyll was in 1848

Browse Nearby Words

mesophragma
mesophyll
mesophyllum
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Mesophyll.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mesophyll. Accessed 29 Mar. 2025.

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Kids Definition

mesophyll

noun
me·​so·​phyll ˈmez-ə-ˌfil How to pronounce mesophyll (audio) ˈmēz- How to pronounce mesophyll (audio)
ˈmēs-,
ˈmes-
: the tissue of a leaf that lies between the surface layers and contains cells used for storage and carrying on photosynthesis

More from Merriam-Webster on mesophyll

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about mesophyll

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