DICEPHALOUS Meaning and
Definition
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Dicephalous is an adjective that refers to an organism or being that possesses two heads. Derived from the Greek word "dikephalos," meaning two-headed, dicephalous describes the notable characteristic of having dual heads. This congenital anomaly is quite rare and is typically observed in certain species.
In the animal kingdom, dicephaly can occur in a variety of creatures, including snakes, turtles, chickens, and insects. Occasionally, human cases of dicephaly have also been reported, albeit extremely infrequently.
The condition of being dicephalous arises during embryonic development when the embryo starts to divide into two separate entities but fails to complete the division, resulting in the formation of two distinct heads on a single body. This leads to the presence of duplicated facial features, sensory organs, and nervous systems. Each head usually possesses its own distinct personality and motor functions, though coordination might present challenges since both heads must work together to control the shared body.
Given its rarity and uniqueness, dicephalous organisms often captivate the curiosity and fascination of both scientists and the general public. They have been subjects of research and observation to better understand the complexities of embryonic development and the limits of genetic variation.
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• Having two heads on one body.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for DICEPHALOUS
- sicephalous
- xicephalous
- eicephalous
- ducephalous
- djcephalous
- dkcephalous
- docephalous
- d9cephalous
- d8cephalous
- dixephalous
- divephalous
- difephalous
- didephalous
- dicwphalous
- dicsphalous
- dicdphalous
- dicrphalous
- dic4phalous
- dic3phalous
Etymology of DICEPHALOUS
The word "Dicephalous" is derived from the Greek words "di" meaning "two" and "kephalos" meaning "head".
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