pa·raph·y·sis 
(pə-răfĭ-sĭs)
(pə-răfĭ-sĭs)n. pl. pa·raph·y·ses (-sēz′)
One of the erect sterile filaments often occurring among the reproductive organs of certain fungi, algae, and mosses.
[New Latin : PARA-1 + Greek phusis, nature, growth; see PHYSIC.]