parenchyma
noun
pa·ren·chy·ma
pə-ˈreŋ-kə-mə 
1
: the essential and distinctive tissue of an organ or an abnormal growth as distinguished from its supportive framework
2
: a tissue of higher plants that consists of thin-walled living photosynthetic or storage cells capable of division even when mature and that makes up much of the substance of leaves and roots, the pulp of fruits, and parts of stems and supporting structures
Examples of parenchyma in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The authors conclude that A combination of Ki67 and doublecortin immunoreactivity demonstrates that in humans, the density of proliferating cells, and neuroblasts in particular, declines markedly with age in the SVZ and SGZ and by four years of age is no greater than in the adjacent parenchyma...
—
Neuroskeptic, Discover Magazine, 27 July 2016
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Neuroskeptic, Discover Magazine, 27 July 2016
Cite this Entry
“Parenchyma.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/parenchyma. Accessed 31 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
parenchyma
noun
pa·ren·chy·ma
pə-ˈreŋ-kə-mə
1
: the tissue of an animal organ (as a gland) that performs the work of the organ as compared to tissue which only gives support or serves as a framework
2
: a tissue of higher plants consisting of thin-walled living cells that remain capable of cell division even when mature, are the location where photosynthesis takes place and materials and food are stored, and make up much of the substance of leaves and roots and the pulp of fruits as well as parts of stems and supporting structures
Medical Definition
parenchyma
noun
pa·ren·chy·ma
pə-ˈreŋ-kə-mə
: the essential and distinctive tissue of an organ or an abnormal growth as distinguished from its supportive framework
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share