How Do You Spell ECHINUS?

Pronunciation: [ˈɛt͡ʃɪnəs] (IPA)

Echinus is a word that refers to the spiny shell of a sea urchin. The spelling of this word can be broken down phonetically as "eh-kai-nuh s" (IPA: /ɛˈkaɪnəs/). The first syllable, "eh," is pronounced as in "egg" followed by "kai" pronounced as in "kite." The final syllable, "nuh," is pronounced with a short "u" sound, and "s" at the end is pronounced just like the letter "s." It's important to correctly spell scientific terms like "echinus" when communicating about highly specialized topics.

ECHINUS Meaning and Definition

1. Echinus is a noun that commonly refers to two main definitions. The first definition pertains to zoology and describes echinus as a type of marine animal belonging to the class Echinoidea, which includes sea urchins and sand dollars. These creatures are characterized by their spherical or flat shape, covered with a hard and often spiky exoskeleton known as a test. Typically found in coastal waters, echinuses are benthic creatures that move along the seafloor using their tube feet and possess a mouth surrounded by a complex chewing apparatus called Aristotle's lantern.

   However, lowercase "echinus" can also refer to a different entity. In architecture and design, an echinus is a term used to describe a classical, decorative element predominantly found in ancient Greek and Roman structures. Specifically, the term signifies the convex molding or rounded ovolo that forms the bottom part of the capital of a Corinthian or Composite column. This ornamental element is often adorned with various decorative motifs, such as acanthus leaves, scrollwork, or other patterns, serving to transition between the column shaft and the abacus (the flat slab or block above the column capital).

   In both zoology and architecture, echinus denotes distinct, yet visually captivating entities that have played significant roles in their respective fields.

2. A radiated animal; a sea-hedgehog; a sea-urchin; prickly head or top of a plant; an ornamental moulding with oval spaces.

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

Common Misspellings for ECHINUS

• wchinus
• dchinus
• rchinus
• 4chinus
• 3chinus
• exhinus
• evhinus
• efhinus
• edhinus
• ecginus
• ecbinus
• ecninus
• ecjinus
• ecuinus
• ecyinus
• echunus
• echjnus
• echknus
• echmnus

Etymology of ECHINUS

The word "echinus" comes from the Greek word "ekhinos" (ἐχῖνος), which means "hedgehog" or "sea-urchin". In the context of architecture, "echinus" specifically refers to a rounded molding or projection, resembling the shape of a sea-urchin. The term was first used in architectural vocabulary in ancient Greek Doric and Ionic orders, where the echinus was a part of the capital of a column.

Similar spelling words for ECHINUS

• echinacea,
• echoing.

Plural form of ECHINUS is ECHINI