-lecithal, suffix|ˈlɛsɪθəl|[f.Gr. λέκιθ-ος yolk + -al]used to form adjs. describing egg cells with yolks of specified kinds, as alecithal a., homolecithaladj. (s.v. homo-).
-lecithal/ˈlɛsɪθ(ə)l/suffix.
ORIGIN: from Greeklekithos yolk of an egg: see -al1.
Embryology. Forming adjectives with the sense ‘having a yolk (of a specified type)’, as alecithal, homolecithal, telolecithal, etc.