thallus

noun

thal·lus ˈtha-ləs

plural thalli ˈtha-ˌlī

-ˌlē

or thalluses

: a plantlike vegetative body (as of algae, fungi, or mosses) that lacks differentiation into distinct parts (such as stem, leaves, and roots) and does not grow from an apical point

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Greek thallos, from thallein to sprout; akin to Armenian dalar green, fresh, Albanian dal I come forth

First Known Use

1829, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of thallus was in 1829

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Cite this Entry

Style

“Thallus.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/thallus. Accessed 23 Nov. 2024.

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Medical Definition

thallus

noun

thal·lus ˈthal-əs

plural thalli ˈthal-ˌī

-ˌē

or thalluses

: a plant or plantlike body (as of an alga, fungus, or moss) that lacks differentiation into distinct members (as stem, leaves, and roots) and does not grow from an apical point

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thallus

noun

Word History

Dictionary Entries Near thallus

Cite this Entry

Medical Definition