How Do You Spell ECHINODERMAL?

Pronunciation: [ˈɛt͡ʃɪnˌə͡ʊdəmə͡l] (IPA)

The spelling of "echinodermal" can be somewhat challenging due to its origins from the Greek word "echinos," meaning "hedgehog," and "derma," meaning "skin." The pronunciation of the word is "ih-kahy-nuh-dur-muhl," as represented in IPA phonetic transcription. The first syllable's emphasis falls on the "ih" sound, which is pronounced as a short "i" sound. The "ch" in "echino" creates a "k" sound, while the second syllable has a long "i" sound followed by a schwa sound. The final syllable is pronounced as "muhl."

ECHINODERMAL Meaning and Definition

1. Echinodermal is an adjective that pertains to or relates to the echinoderms, a phylum of marine animals characterized by a spiny or prickly skin. The term derives from the combination of the Latin word "echinus," meaning hedgehog or sea urchin, and the Greek word "derma," meaning skin.

   Referring to or being echinodermal implies a connection to the specific biological and anatomical characteristics of echinoderms. These animals possess a unique endoskeleton composed of calcareous plates or ossicles, providing support and protection. Echinoderms also possess a water vascular system, a network of canals and tubes that facilitates respiration, movement, and feeding. This system often includes tube feet, which are suction-cup-like structures used for locomotion and capturing prey.

   Echinodermal characteristics can also describe external features, such as the presence of spines or prickles on the skin. These spines, found in animals like sea urchins or sea stars, serve various functions, including defense, locomotion, and aiding in feeding. Echinoderms typically exhibit radial symmetry, either pentaradial (five-fold) or bilateral symmetry in their early developmental stages.

   The echinodermal classification encompasses well-known marine organisms like sea stars, sea urchins, sand dollars, sea cucumbers, and brittle stars. Their presence and diversity are widespread throughout the world's oceans. Understanding the echinodermal nature of these animals often involves studying their unique skeletal structures, water vascular systems, reproductive strategies, ecological roles, and their evolutionary relationships within the animal kingdom.

2. Relating to the echinodermata.

   Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Common Misspellings for ECHINODERMAL

• wchinodermal
• schinodermal
• dchinodermal
• rchinodermal
• 4chinodermal
• 3chinodermal
• exhinodermal
• evhinodermal
• efhinodermal
• edhinodermal
• ecginodermal
• ecbinodermal
• ecninodermal
• ecjinodermal
• ecuinodermal
• ecyinodermal
• echunodermal
• echjnodermal
• echknodermal

Etymology of ECHINODERMAL

The word Echinodermal is derived from two Greek roots: echino meaning hedgehog or spiny, and derma meaning skin. Echinoderm is a phylum of marine animals, including sea stars, sea urchins, and sand dollars, characterized by their spiny skin, which gives rise to the term echinodermal.