pa|ren|chy|ma

pa|ren|chy|ma «puh REHNG kuh muh, _PAR uhn KY-», noun.

1. the fundamental tissue in higher plants, composed of living, unspecialized cells from which all other cells are formed. Most of the tissue in the softer parts of leaves, the pulp of fruits, and the cortex pith of young stems is parenchyma.

2. the tissue of an animal organ or part special or essential to it, as distinguished from its connective or supporting tissue.

3. a) the soft, undifferentiated tissue composing the general substance of the body in some invertebrates, such as sponges and flatworms. b) the undifferentiated cell substance or endoplasm of a protozoan.

╂[< Greek parénchyma anything poured in < para- beside + énchyma infusion < en- in + chýma what is poured < cheîn to pour]