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Glite Dictionary
theca

theca

1 9.9
A protective case that covers parts of plants and animals, like an insect pupa
  • noun
  • /ˈθiːkə/
  • Specialized
translation icon : teca
  • The theca protects the developing pupa from external harm during its metamorphosis.

Examples

  • These relics were in a small lead theca and emitted the same fragrance. Aelred makes no mention of labels in this context, and it is not clear how the canons were able to identify the relics of Frethbert or even of Eata.

    Academic text (2018)

  • Scientists studied the theca of various plant species to understand how it influences pollination.

  • Each pollen grain is contained within a protective theca that ensures its survival until fertilization.

Synonyms

casing
vstheca
45 3.0

An outer cover that protects things like a tire from damage

is specific to biological coverings protecting plant or animal parts
sac
vstheca
  • Specialized
25 4.8

A small hollow bag in animals and plants that holds fluid or air

covers or protects externally rather than storing substances inside
sheath
vstheca
  • Specialized
6 6.0

A protective layer that surrounds and supports an animal or plant part

applies to biological coverings and includes pupa and pollen examples

How Protective

to armor
  • US
2 4.8
shell
296 1.0
theca
  • Specialized
1 9.9
casing
45 3.0
covering
12 1.1

Surface Forms

theca singular
thecas plural
thecae plural

Etymology

The word theca comes from the Greek root theke, which means 'box' or 'case'. So in biology a theca is like a small box or sheath that covers and protects parts such as an insect pupa or a plant's pollen sac.