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Definition of "thallus" [thal•lus]

  • A plant body undifferentiated into stem, root, or leaf. (noun)

American Heritage(R) Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright (c) 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

Use "thallus" in a sentence
  • "Rapid water loss inactivates the thallus, and in the inactive state the lichen is safe from heat-induced respiratory loss and heat stress [119]."
  • "Photorepair of radiation-damaged DNA in Cladonia requires not only light, but also high temperature and a hydrated thallus [125]."
  • "Most lichens are adapted to such effects by forming a mechanically solid thallus firmly attached to the substrate."