How Do You Spell BASIPHIL?

Pronunciation: [bˈe͡ɪsɪfˌɪl] (IPA)

Basiphil is a word that describes an organism or substance that prefers a basic, or alkaline, environment. The pronunciation of this word is /ˈbeɪsɪfɪl/, with the first syllable being pronounced like "base" and the second syllable rhyming with "fill." The spelling of the word follows the common pattern of using the prefix "basi-" to indicate a preference for a basic environment (as opposed to "acidophil," which indicates a preference for an acidic environment).

Meaning and Definition
Common Misspellings
Etymology
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BASIPHIL Meaning and Definition

  1. Basiphil is an adjective used to describe a biological cell, tissue, or substance that has an affinity or attraction to basic or alkaline solutions. The term is derived from the combination of the words "basi-" which refers to base or alkaline, and "-phil" meaning attraction or affinity.

    In the field of histology and cytology, basophil cells or basophils are a type of granular white blood cells characterized by their dark-blue staining granules when exposed to basic dyes. These basophilic granules contain various biologically active substances and mediators such as heparin and histamine. Basophils play a crucial role in the immune system's response to allergic reactions and parasitic infections.

    This term can also be applied to certain tissues and substances in other scientific contexts. For instance, in geology, basiphilic rocks or minerals refer to those that have a high pH level or alkaline composition. In biochemistry, basiphilic proteins or enzymes are those that exhibit optimal activity in basic conditions. Likewise, in chemistry, basiphilic substances can refer to chemicals or compounds that have the tendency to react or form salts with acids, exhibiting a preference for basic conditions.

Common Misspellings for BASIPHIL

Etymology of BASIPHIL

The word "basiphil" is formed by combining two Greek roots: "basi-" and "-phil".

The root "basi-" comes from the Greek word "basis", meaning "base" or "foot". It is also derived from the Greek verb "bainein", which means "to go" or "to step". This root is often used in scientific terminology to refer to something at the base or bottom of an organism or structure.

The suffix "-phil" comes from the Greek word "philos", which means "loving" or "liking". In scientific terminology, it is often used to describe something that has an affinity or attraction to a particular substance or condition.

Therefore, the etymology of "basiphil" indicates that it refers to something that has an attraction or affinity for the base or bottom of an organism or structure.