n. pl. stro·ma·ta (-mə-tə) 1. The connective tissue framework of an organ, gland, or other structure, as distinguished from the tissues performing the special function of the organ or part. 2. The spongy, colorless framework of a red blood cell or other cell. 3. The colorless semiliquid material inside a chloroplast, in which the thylakoid membranes are embedded and where the dark reactions of photosynthesis occur. 4. A dense mass of fungal hyphae on or in which reproductive structures develop. [Late Latin strōma, mattress, covering, from Greek, bed; see ster-2 in the Appendix of Indo-European roots.] stromal adj. stro·matic (-mătĭk) adj. |
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