stroma (redirected from stromal)

stro·ma  (strm)

n. pl. stro·ma·ta (-m-t)

1. The connective tissue framework of an organ, gland, or other structure, as distinguished from the tissues performing the special function of the organ or part.

2. The spongy, colorless framework of a red blood cell or other cell.

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[Late Latin strma, mattress, covering, from Greek, bed; see ster-² in Indo-European roots.]

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stromal adj.

stro·matic (-mtk) adj.

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stroma [ˈstrəʊmə]

n pl -mata [-mətə] Biology

1. (Life Sciences & Allied Applications / Biology) the gel-like matrix of chloroplasts and certain cells

2. (Life Sciences & Allied Applications / Zoology) the fibrous connective tissue forming the matrix of the mammalian ovary and testis

3. (Life Sciences & Allied Applications / Botany) a dense mass of hyphae that is produced by certain fungi and gives rise to spore-producing bodies

[via New Latin from Late Latin: a mattress, from Greek; related to Latin sternere to strew]

stromatic  [strəʊˈmætɪk], stromatous adj

Thesaurus

Noun	1.	stroma - a mass of fungal tissue that has spore-bearing structures embedded in it or on it plant tissue - the tissue of a plant
	2.	stroma - the dense colorless framework of a chloroplast plant tissue - the tissue of a plant
	3.	stroma - the supporting tissue of an organ (as opposed to parenchyma) animal tissue - the tissue in the bodies of animals