Lamellene

Lamellene is the plural form of lamella in several languages, notably Norwegian and Dutch, and corresponds to the English term lamellae. It denotes thin, plate-like layers that occur within larger structures and can be found across biology, geology, and materials science.

In biology, lamellae refer to thin, sheet-like layers within organisms or tissues. In bone, lamellae are the concentric layers of mineralized matrix that surround osteons, contributing to the tissue’s strength and resilience. In chloroplasts, lamellae (stroma lamellae) are membranes that connect thylakoid stacks and participate in the photosynthetic apparatus.

In geology and mineralogy, lamellae describe laminated textures—alternating thin layers of minerals or sediments that create layered rocks or clays. Such lamellar structures appear in sedimentary rocks and clay minerals and can influence properties like porosity and strength. In materials science and engineering, lamellae denote thin sheets within layered composites and naturally occurring biominerals. For example, nacre (mother of pearl) exhibits a laminated arrangement of organic matrix and mineral platelets that enhances toughness.

Etymology and usage: lamella comes from Latin lamella, meaning “a small plate.” The form lamellene is used in some languages where pluralization follows that pattern, while in English the corresponding term is lamellae. See also lamella and lamellate for related concepts.