1. a needle-shaped crystal of calcium oxalate found in plant cells
Usage: botanical

Examples

• The botanist observed raphis crystals in the leaf tissue under the microscope.
• Raphis formations help protect plants from herbivores.
• The presence of raphis can cause irritation when certain plants are consumed.
• Students learned to identify raphis crystals in their plant anatomy class.
• The sharp raphis crystals serve as a defense mechanism for the plant.