theca

noun

the·ca ˈthē-kə

plural thecae ˈthē-ˌsē

-ˌkē

: an enveloping sheath or case of an animal or animal part

thecal

ˈthē-kəl

adjective

Etymology

New Latin, from Greek thēkē case — more at tick entry 4

First Known Use

circa 1666, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of theca was circa 1666

See more words from the same year

Style

“Theca.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/theca. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.

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theca

noun

the·ca ˈthē-kə

plural thecae ˈthē-ˌsē

-ˌkē

: an enveloping case or sheath (as the theca folliculi) of an anatomical part

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