parenchyma: Meaning and Definition of

pa•ren•chy•ma

1. the fundamental tissue of plants, composed of thin-walled cells able to divide.
2. the specific tissue of an animal organ as distinguished from its connective or supporting tissue.
3. a type of soft, spongy connective tissue of certain invertebrates, as the flatworms.
4. the functional tissue of a morbid growth.