theca Hear it!

theca Definition

theca (t̸hē′kə)

noun pl. thecae -·cae (-sē)

  1. Bot. a spore case, sac, or capsule
  2. Zool., Anat. any sheath or sac enclosing an organ or a whole organism, as the covering of an insect pupa

Etymology: ModL < L < Gr thēkē, a case < IE *dhēkā < base *dhē-, to place, put > do, L facere

Related Forms:

theca Usage Examples

Modifies a noun

  • cell: LH acts on stroma and theca interna cells of the ovaries to stimulate testosterone secretion.
  • interna: The nerve roots appear thickened and clumped together and lie around the periphery of the theca interna in the lower lumbar canal.