The word "Anourous" refers to a member of the family Anura, commonly known as frogs. It is spelled with the "an-" prefix which means "without" and the word "oura" meaning "tail" in Greek. Thus, Anourous literally means "without tail". The correct pronunciation of the word is /æˈnʊərəs/ (a-noo-roos) in IPA phonetic transcription. The first syllable is pronounced with the vowel sound /æ/ as in "cat", followed by the schwa vowel sound /ə/ and the consonant sound /r/. The final syllable is pronounced with the vowel sound /ʊə/ as in "tour" and the consonant sound /s/.
Anourous is an adjective that describes organisms or species that lack a tail. The term is mainly used in the field of biology, particularly in zoology and herpetology. Derived from the Greek words "a," meaning "without," and "oura," meaning "tail," this term encompasses a wide range of animals that are characterized by their absence of a tail.
In the animal kingdom, anourous species can be found in various taxonomical groups, including mammals, reptiles, amphibians, and even insects. Examples of anourous animals include certain species of frogs, toads, geckos, caecilians, and kangaroos.
The absence of a tail in anourous animals can serve various purposes depending on the species. In some cases, the loss of a tail is an adaptation to their specific habitat. For instance, certain frogs and toads have evolved to live primarily on land, and their leg structure replaces the need for a tail, enabling them to navigate efficiently on land.
In conclusion, the term anourous refers to organisms or species that lack a tail. This characteristic can be observed in different animal groups and can serve various purposes, depending on the species' adaptation and habitat.
Destitute of a tail.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.