theca

 
Pronunciation: /ˈθiːkə/

noun (plural thecae /-siː/)

  • a receptacle, sheath, or cell enclosing an organ, part, or structure, in particular:
  • Anatomy the loose sheath enclosing the spinal cord.
  • Zoology a cup-like or tubular structure containing a coral polyp.
  • Botany either of the lobes of an anther, each containing two pollen sacs.
  • (also theca folliculi /fəˈlɪkjʊlʌɪ/) Anatomy the outer layer of cells of a Graafian follicle.

Derivatives

thecate

adjective

Origin:

early 17th century: via Latin from Greek thēkē 'case'