Definition, Meaning & Synonyms
chalazae
noun
/kəˈleɪ.zə/ or /keɪˈleɪ.zi/
Definition
Chalazae are the twisted, rope-like structures found in the egg white (albumen) of an egg, which keep the yolk centered.
Examples
- When cooking eggs, the chalazae can sometimes be seen as white strands in the egg white.
- The freshness of an egg can often be determined by the prominence of its chalazae; fresher eggs have more visible chalazae.
Meaning
In a biological context, chalazae serve to stabilize the yolk in an egg, ensuring that it stays in the middle and is protected from injury.
Synonyms
- None (specific term in biology)
