noun
- Plural of chalaza; twisted strands of egg white that anchor the yolk in the center of an egg.
Usage: biology; culinary
Examples
- The chalazas in a fresh egg are more prominent and opaque than in older eggs.
- When you crack open an egg, you can see the chalazas connecting the yolk to the shell membrane.
- Chefs often remove the chalazas when preparing certain egg dishes for a smoother texture.
- The chalazas serve an important structural function in keeping the yolk suspended.
- Under a microscope, the chalazas appear as distinct fibrous cords within the albumen.