lateral meristem

n.
A meristem in vascular plants, such as the cambium, in which secondary growth occurs.

Strips or cylinders of dividing cells located parallel to the long axis of the organ in which they occur. Radial enlargement of the cells derived from these meristems increases the diameter of the organ. The lateral meristem is concerned with secondary growth in the sense that its meristematic activity adds cells to the primary body which was derived from the apical meristems. See also Apical meristem.

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