stroma

noun (plural stromata /-mətə/)

• 1 [mass noun] Anatomy & Biology the supportive tissue of an epithelial organ, tumour, gonad, etc., consisting of connective tissues and blood vessels: a loose stroma of connective tissue [mass noun]:the virus caused necrosis of epithelium and stroma
• the spongy framework of protein fibres in a red blood cell or platelet.
• Botany the matrix of a chloroplast, in which the grana are embedded.

• 2 Botany a cushion-like mass of fungal tissue, having spore-bearing structures either embedded in it or on its surface: the fruiting body is tightly compressed and sessile on a stroma