parenchyma meaning and definition

PARENCHYMA noun

Definition of parenchyma (noun)

1. animal tissue that constitutes the essential part of an organ as contrasted with e.g. connective tissue and blood vessels
2. the primary tissue of higher plants composed of thin-walled cells that remain capable of cell division even when mature; constitutes the greater part of leaves, roots, the pulp of fruits, and the pith of stems