Definition of THECA

theca

Plural: thecae, thecas

Noun

  • A protective covering or sheath, especially in biology.
  • a case or sheath especially a pollen sac or moss capsule
  • outer sheath of the pupa of certain insects
  • Any of several external cases or sheaths.
  • The pollen-producing organ usually found in pairs and forming an anther.
  • Any of several external cases or sheaths.
  • The theca folliculi: the twin layers of cells surrounding the basal lamina of an ovarian follicle.
  • Any of several external cases or sheaths.
  • The thecal sac: the portion of the dura mater that surrounds the spinal cord and the cauda equina.
  • Any of several external cases or sheaths.
  • The membrane complex enveloping the cells of certain plankton including diatoms and dinoflagellates.
  • Any of several external cases or sheaths.
  • The calcareous wall of a corallite, the exoskeleton of a coral polyp.
  • Any of several external cases or sheaths.
  • A sporangium: a spore case.
  • A case for the corporal cloth used in the Eucharist.

Examples

  • His strategy formed a strong THECA around his scoring tiles, protecting them from opponent attacks in Scrabble.

Origin / Etymology

From New Latin, from Latin thēca, from Ancient Greek θήκη (thḗkē, “a case, box, receptacle”), from τίθημι (títhēmi, “put, set, place”). Doublet of tay.

Synonyms

sac

Scrabble Score: 10

theca: valid Scrabble (US) TWL Word
theca: valid Scrabble Word in Merriam-Webster MW Dictionary
theca: valid Scrabble Word in International Collins CSW Dictionary

Words With Friends Score: 10

theca: valid Words With Friends Word