one of a pair of spiral threads of albumen holding the yolk of a bird's egg in position
2.
the basal part of a plant ovule, where the integuments and nucellus are joined
Derived forms
chalazal (chaˈlazal)
adjective
Word origin
C18: New Latin, from Greek: hailstone
chalaza in American English
(kəˈleɪzə)
nounWord forms: pluralchaˈlazae (kəˈleɪzi) or chaˈlazas
1.
either of the spiral bands of dense albumen extending from the yolk toward the lining membrane at each end of a bird's egg and serving to keep the yolk suspended near the center of the albumen
2. Botany
the basal end of an ovule, opposite the micropyle, where the seed coats and the nucellus join