Chalazas

/kəˈlæzəz/ noun

Definition

Plural of chalaza; multiple twisted cord-like structures in eggs that anchor yolks, or a medical term for small cysts on the eyelid.

Etymology

From Greek χάλαζα (khalaza) with the standard English plural -s added; the word has dual meanings in biology and medicine.

Kelly Says

Chalazas show how Greek roots get repurposed across biology—the same word describes both egg structures and eye cysts because ancient Greeks thought they resembled each other!

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