theca

Meaning

Noun

• Any external case or sheath.
• The pollen-producing organ usually found in pairs and forming an anther.
• The twin layers of cells surrounding the basal lamina of an ovarian follicle.
• The membrane complex enveloping the cells of certain plankton including diatoms and dinoflagellates.
• The calcareous wall of a corallite, the exoskeleton of a coral polyp.
• A case for the corporal cloth used in the Eucharist.

Origin

• From New Latin, from Latin theca, from Ancient Greek θήκη, from τίθημι. tay.