How Do You Spell CHOANATE?

Pronunciation: [t͡ʃˈə͡ʊne͡ɪt] (IPA)

The word "choanate" is spelled with a silent "h" and is pronounced as /koʊˈeɪnət/. Its root word, "choana," is a Greek word that means funnel. In biology, "choanate" is used to describe organisms, particularly invertebrates such as sponges and certain insects, that have choanocytes. These are specialized cells that look like tiny funnels and are instrumental in filtering food and oxygen. Despite its uncommon usage, the correct spelling and pronunciation of "choanate" can be useful in scientific literature and conversations.

CHOANATE Meaning and Definition

1. Choanate is an adjective that describes the anatomical structure found in certain animals, particularly invertebrates. The term "choanate" is derived from the Greek word "choanē," meaning "funnel," which accurately describes the distinctive shape of this structure.

   In biology, "choanate" refers to the presence of choanocytes, which are specialized cells found in sponges and some other marine invertebrates. Choanocytes have a distinctive shape resembling a funnel or a collar, with a central flagellum surrounded by a ring of microvilli. These cells are primarily involved in filter feeding, creating water currents to capture and ingest food particles. The choanocytes' flagellar motion generates these currents, while the microvilli help trap and process microscopic prey.

   The presence of choanocytes and the choanate structure is believed to have evolved early in the history of animals and is considered an important characteristic of the phylum Porifera, or sponges. However, choanocytes are also found in other organisms, such as the choanoflagellates, which are considered the closest living relatives to animals.

   Overall, the term "choanate" encompasses the presence or characteristics of choanocytes and the funnel-like structure they form. It is an important term in the study of invertebrate zoology, particularly for understanding the feeding mechanisms and evolutionary relationships of animals displaying this anatomical feature.

2. Having a funnel, i.e. with a ring or collar, noting the members of the Choano flagellata and certain other protozoans.

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

Common Misspellings for CHOANATE

• xhoanate
• vhoanate
• fhoanate
• dhoanate
• cgoanate
• cboanate
• cnoanate
• cjoanate
• cuoanate
• cyoanate
• chianate
• chkanate
• chlanate
• chpanate
• ch0anate
• ch9anate
• choznate
• chosnate
• chownate
• choqnate

Etymology of CHOANATE

The word "choanate" is derived from the Greek word "choanē", which means "funnel". The suffix "-ate" is added to indicate "possessing" or "pertaining to". Thus, "choanate" literally means "having a funnel" or "related to a funnel". In biology, it is used to describe certain structures or organisms that have a funnel-like shape or possess characteristics similar to a funnel.