thallus

thallus Definition

thal·lus (t̸hal′əs)

noun pl. thalli thal′li′ (-ī′) or thalluses thal′·luses

the nonvascular plant body of a thallophyte, showing no clear distinction of roots, stem, or leaves

Etymology: ModL < Gr thallos, young shoot: see Thalia

Related Forms:

thallus Usage Examples

Converse of object

have: Most bryophytes have erect or creeping stems and tiny leaves, but hornworts and some liverworts have only a flat thallus and no leaves.

Noun used with modifier

lichen: The dry lichen thallus is brittle, so fragments can be broken off easily and transported by wind or by animals.

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