Chalaze

/ˈkæləz/ noun

Definition

A cord-like structure that holds the yolk of an egg in place in the white part, found in bird eggs.

Etymology

From Greek 'χάλαζα' (chalaza) meaning 'hailstone' or 'hard lump.' The structure was named for its resemblance to a hard particle, though the etymology's connection to hail is now unclear.

Kelly Says

That rope-like thing you find in an egg white is called a chalaze, and when you boil eggs, they're the stringy parts—the Greek root 'chalaza' meant hailstone, so someone thought egg parts looked like tiny ice chunks.

Related Words

Explore More Words

Get the Word Orb API

Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.