1. Plural of metaxylem; the primary xylem tissue that develops after the protoxylem in plants, characterized by larger vessel elements and tracheids.
Usage: botanical term; technical

Examples

• The metaxylems in the stem provide structural support as the plant matures.
• Botanists distinguish between protoxylems and metaxylems based on their developmental timing.
• The larger diameter of metaxylem vessels allows for more efficient water transport.
• In cross-sections of plant stems, metaxylems appear as distinct rings of tissue.
• The metaxylems develop after the initial protoxylem has already formed.