Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Paraphysis \Pa*raph"y*sis\, n.; pl. {Paraphyses}. [NL., fr. Gr.
   ? beside + ? growth.] (Bot.)
   A minute jointed filament growing among the archegonia and
   antheridia of mosses, or with the spore cases, etc., of other
   flowerless plants.

Source : WordNet®

paraphysis
     n : a sterile simple or branched filament or hair borne among
         sporangia; may be pointed or clubbed
     [also: {paraphyses} (pl)]