Definitions

1. noun

In botany, a theca is a spore-bearing organ, especially in fungi, or the sporangium in ferns.

“The theca of the fungi produced spores that germinated into new plants.”

2. noun

In zoology, a theca is a shell or covering, especially of an insect, such as a beetle.

“The theca of the beetle provided protection from predators and environmental hazards.”