Sclerenchyma

Origin

Ancient Greek σκληρός ("hard") + -enchyma

Full definition of sclerenchyma

Noun

1. (botany) A mechanical, supportive ground tissue in plants consisting of aggregates of cells having thick, often mineralized walls
2. (zoology) The hard calcareous deposit in the tissues of Anthozoa, constituing the stony corals.

Coordinate terms

• chlorenchyma
• collenchyma
• merenchyma
• parenchyma

Derived terms

• sclerenchymatous