— stromatic /stroh mat"ik/ , stromal, stromatous , adj.
/stroh"meuh/ , n. , pl. stromata /-meuh teuh/ .
1. Cell Biol. the supporting framework or matrix of a cell.
2. Anat. the supporting framework, usually of connective tissue, of an organ, as distinguished from the parenchyma.
3. Mycol. (in certain fungi) a compact, somatic mass of fungous tissue, in or on which the fructifications may be developed.
4. Bot. the matrix of a chloroplast, containing various molecules and ions.
[ 1825-35; stroma mattress strôma bed-covering; akin to L sternere to spread, STREW, stratum (see STRATUM) ]