chalaza: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2technical, scientific
Quick answer
What does “chalaza” mean?
One of two spiral, albuminous cords in a bird's egg that attach the yolk to the lining membrane at the ends of the shell, thereby centralizing the yolk.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
One of two spiral, albuminous cords in a bird's egg that attach the yolk to the lining membrane at the ends of the shell, thereby centralizing the yolk.
In botany, the region of an ovule or seed where the integuments and nucellus merge, corresponding to the point of attachment to the funiculus.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in usage or meaning between British and American English. Pronunciations are consistent within technical fields.
Connotations
Scientifically neutral term in both varieties.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in general discourse; used identically in academic/technical writing in both varieties.
Grammar
How to Use “chalaza” in a Sentence
The chalaza attaches [OBJECT] to [LOCATION]The [NOUN] is anchored by the chalazaA study of the chalaza in [TYPE] eggsVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “chalaza” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The chalazal structure was examined under the microscope.
- Chalazal nodules are a feature of some seeds.
American English
- The chalazal end of the seed is critical for nutrient transfer.
- Researchers focused on the chalazal anatomy.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Used in biology, zoology, botany, and food science textbooks and research papers.
Everyday
Extremely rare, potentially mentioned in advanced cooking contexts when discussing egg quality.
Technical
The primary context for this term. Precise anatomical descriptor in embryology and plant science.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “chalaza”
Neutral
Weak
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “chalaza”
- Misspelling as 'chalazia' (which is the plural of a different medical term, chalazion, an eyelid cyst).
- Incorrect plural: 'chalazas' instead of standard 'chalazae' /kəˈleɪziː/.
- Confusing its function (anchoring) with that of the germinal disc (embryo development site).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, the chalaza is composed of dense albumen (egg white) and is completely edible and nutritious, though some cooks remove it for aesthetic reasons in delicate dishes.
The correct plural form is 'chalazae' (pronounced /kəˈleɪziː/).
Indirectly. Its primary role is structural – to anchor and centre the yolk, which contains the nutrients for the developing embryo. It is not part of the embryo itself.
In botany, the chalaza refers to the basal region of an ovule where the integuments and nucellus merge, opposite the micropyle. It's a key anatomical landmark for describing seed structure and development.
One of two spiral, albuminous cords in a bird's egg that attach the yolk to the lining membrane at the ends of the shell, thereby centralizing the yolk.
Chalaza is usually technical, scientific in register.
Chalaza: in British English it is pronounced /kəˈleɪzə/, and in American English it is pronounced /kəˈleɪzə/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think 'Cha-LAZA' like a LAZY yolk needing cords (chalazae) to hold it in place centrally in its egg.
Conceptual Metaphor
ANCHORING LINE/SUPPORT CABLE (conceptualizing the structure as a biological tether or suspension system).
Practice
Quiz
In which scientific field is the term 'chalaza' NOT typically used?