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Definition

noun

(1) A type of vascular tissue in terrestrial plants composed of tracheary elements, tracheids and wood vessels and of additional xylem fibers, and is primarily involved in transporting water and nutrient (from the roots to the shoot and leaves) and providing structural support.

(2) The primary component of wood in plants.

Supplement

Xylem in plants is the water conducting tissue in vascular plants. Based on the stage and origin of growth, a xylem may be primary or secondary.

Word origin: Greek xylon, "wood".

Compare: phloem

‘’See also:’’ softwood, hardwood

Related terms:

• primary xylem
• secondary xylem
• protoxylem
• metaxylem