noun pl. tapeta -·pe′ta (-ə)

1. Anat., Zool. any of various membranous layers; esp.,
   1. the iridescent choroid membrane in the eye of certain animals, as the cat
   2. a layer of fibers from the corpus callosum forming a portion of the roof of each lateral ventricle of the brain
2. Bot. a nutritive layer of cells lining the inner wall of a fern sporangium or of an anther

Etymology: ModL < L < tapete, a carpet < Gr tapēs: see tapestry