How Do You Spell CHROMATOPHORE?

Pronunciation: [kɹˈə͡ʊmɐtˌɒfɔː] (IPA)

Chromatophore is a biological term used to refer to specialized pigment-containing cells found in many types of animals. The word is spelled as /krəˈmætəˌfɔr/ in the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA). The first syllable, /krə/, is pronounced with a schwa sound, while the second syllable, /ˈmætə/, contains a primary stress on the second syllable. The final syllable, /ˌfɔr/, has a secondary stress on the first syllable. The spelling of this complex word accurately reflects its pronunciation, making it an easy term to read and understand with a basic understanding of IPA.

CHROMATOPHORE Meaning and Definition

1. A chromatophore is a specialized pigment-containing cell found in various organisms, especially in the animal kingdom, particularly in fish, reptiles, amphibians, and cephalopods. It is responsible for the ability of these organisms to change their skin color, pattern, and appearance to blend with their surroundings or as a form of communication.

   The chromatophore is made up of pigment-filled sacs or granules that are capable of expansion or contraction, controlled by the nervous system or hormones. These pigments can include melanin, which provides black or brown colors, carotenoids that produce red, orange, or yellow hues, and guanine crystals that create iridescent and metallic colors. By selectively contracting or expanding these pigment sacs, the organism can change its body color and create various patterns, allowing it to camouflage itself from predators, attract mates, or communicate with other individuals of its species.

   Chromatophores are particularly notable in cephalopods, such as octopuses and squids, as they have a remarkable ability to rapidly change their skin color and texture, providing effective camouflage in different environments. These specialized cells open or close rapidly, allowing for complex patterns or rapid changes in appearance. In addition to camouflage, chromatophores also play a role in thermal regulation and UV protection.

   The study of chromatophores has garnered scientific interest and has inspired technological advancements, such as the development of adaptive camouflage materials and innovative color-changing technologies.

2. 1. A colored plastid, due to the presence of chlorophyl, found in certain forms of protozoa. 2. A pigment-bearing cell found chiefly in the skin, mucous membrane, and chorioid coat of the eye, and also in melanomas.

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

Common Misspellings for CHROMATOPHORE

• xhromatophore
• vhromatophore
• fhromatophore
• dhromatophore
• cgromatophore
• cbromatophore
• cnromatophore
• cjromatophore
• curomatophore
• cyromatophore
• cheomatophore
• chdomatophore
• chfomatophore
• chtomatophore
• ch5omatophore
• ch4omatophore
• chrimatophore
• chrkmatophore
• chrlmatophore

Etymology of CHROMATOPHORE

The word chromatophore is derived from the Greek roots chroma meaning color and phoros meaning bearing or carrying. Therefore, chromatophore can be translated to color-bearing or color-carrying.

Plural form of CHROMATOPHORE is CHROMATOPHORES