Pronunciation: [ˈatɹɪt͡ʃəs] (IPA) 
The word "atrichous" is spelled with the letters A-T-R-I-C-H-O-U-S. It is pronounced /eɪˈtrɪkəs/, with emphasis on the second syllable. The word means "without hair" and is often used in biology to describe organisms or structures that are naturally hairless. The spelling may seem complex, but by breaking it down into syllables and using phonetic transcription, it can be easier to understand and pronounce correctly.
Atrichous is an adjective used to describe the absence or lack of hair, fur, or any form of fine, soft, thread-like filament covering an organism or its specific body part. It is an attribute commonly seen in various organisms, including humans, animals, and even microorganisms.
In humans, "atrichous" refers to the condition of being completely devoid of hair. This term is applicable to individuals who are born without hair, such as those affected by the congenital disorder known as alopecia universalis. Additionally, "atrichous" may denote the complete loss of hair due to a medical condition, such as a side effect of extensive chemotherapy treatments.
When applied to animals, an "atrichous" organism, such as a breed of hairless or naked cat, lacks the usual fur or hair covering found in most mammals. Their coatlessness can be attributed to genetic mutations or alterations. Hairless animals often need special care to stay warm and protected from sunburn and other environmental factors.
Moreover, within the realm of microbiology, the term "atrichous" is employed to describe certain bacteria lacking flagella, the whip-like appendages responsible for movement. These organisms are known as non-motile or atrichous bacteria.
In summary, "atrichous" categorizes the condition or characteristic of being without hair, fur, or thread-like appendages in both living organisms and microorganisms.
The word atrichous is derived from the combination of the prefix a- meaning without or not, and the Greek word thrix meaning hair. Therefore, atrichous means without hair or hairless.
