How Do You Spell ANATROPOUS?

Pronunciation: [ˌanɐtɹˈɒpəs] (IPA)

The word "anatropous" is a botanical term used to describe an ovule that is inverted, so that the micropyle, or opening, is next to the funicle. This word can be broken down into three syllables, with emphasis on the second syllable: a-NA-tro-pous. The IPA phonetic transcription for "anatropous" is /əˈnætrəpəs/. The pronunciation of this word includes a schwa sound at the beginning, followed by a short "a" sound, and then a stressed syllable with a long "o" sound.

ANATROPOUS Meaning and Definition

1. Anatropous is an adjective used in the field of botany to describe a specific orientation or position of the ovule in flowering plants. It refers to the anatomical characteristic whereby the ovule is completely inverted, with the micropyle (a tiny pore) located closer to the attachment point of the ovule, and the chalaza (the basal part of the ovule) near the apex. This configuration is considered a basic structural feature present in certain plants, functioning as a defining characteristic of their reproductive system.

   In anatropous ovules, fertilization occurs through the micropyle, as the pollen tube grows from this opening towards the embryo sac. The water absorption capacity of inverted ovules is often beneficial to seed development because it prevents dehydration and ensures proper nutrition is absorbed from the pericarp into the embryo. This adaptation is particularly advantageous in certain environments with limited access to water.

   The term "anatropous" derives from the Greek words "ana," meaning "upwards," and "tropos," meaning "turn." This etymological origin accurately describes the inversion or turning of the ovule structure. Anatropous ovules are one of the several positional variations that can occur in flowering plants, each with implications for fertilization, embryonic development, and subsequent seed formation. Understanding the different anatomical configurations of ovules is crucial for studying plant reproductive mechanisms and evolutionary adaptations within the botanical world.

2. Inverted; in botany, noting an ovule in which the micropyle is turned toward the placenta and the funiculus is attached to the other extremity.

   A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.

3. In bot., an inverted ovule, the hilum and micropyle being near each other, and the chalaza at the opposite end.

   Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Common Misspellings for ANATROPOUS

• znatropous
• snatropous
• wnatropous
• qnatropous
• abatropous
• amatropous
• ajatropous
• ahatropous
• anztropous
• anstropous
• anwtropous
• anqtropous
• anarropous
• anafropous
• anagropous
• anayropous
• ana6ropous
• ana5ropous
• anateopous

Etymology of ANATROPOUS

The word anatropous is derived from Greek. It comes from the combination of two Greek elements: ana meaning up or back, and tropos meaning to turn or to change direction. So, anatropous literally translates to turned up or turned back.

Similar spelling words for ANATROPOUS

• anthropolatry,
• Underpoise,
• androgenous,
• underbase,
• "interpose",
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• Anthropology,
• underbuys,
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• anthropoid,
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• anthropoidal,
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• underboughs,
• anteriorly,
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• Enterobius,
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• INTERPS,
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• anatropies,
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• anthriscus,
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• anthropogeny,
• antheropeas,
• INTERPASS,
• antherozoid,
• androgynous.