First Known Use: 1857
Dictionary
paraphysis
noun pa·raph·y·sis \pə-ˈra-fə-səs\
plural pa·raph·y·ses\-ˌsēz\
Definition of PARAPHYSIS
: one of the slender sterile filaments borne among the sporogenous or gametogenous organs in certain ferns, mosses, algae, and fungi
ADVERTISEMENT
Origin of PARAPHYSIS
New Latin, from Greek, sucker, offshoot, from paraphyein to produce at the side, from para- + phyein to bring forth — more at be
Medical Dictionary
paraphysis
noun pa·raph·y·sis \pə-ˈraf-ə-səs\
plural pa·raph·y·ses \-ˌsēz\
Medical Definition of PARAPHYSIS
1
: one of the slender sterile often septate filaments of many cryptogamic plants (as fungi) that are borne among the spore- or gamete-forming organs, are single or branched, and are composed of one or more cells
2
: a median evagination of the roof of the telencephalon anterior to the epiphysis of certain lower vertebrates that is present only in the embryo of higher vertebrates
Learn More About PARAPHYSIS
Browse
Next Word in the Dictionary: paraphysoidPrevious Word in the Dictionary: paraphysicalAll Words Near: paraphysis
ADVERTISEMENT
Seen & Heard
What made you want to look up paraphysis? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).