How Do You Spell ELATEROPHORE?

Pronunciation: [ɪlˈatəɹˌɒfɔː] (IPA)

Elaterophore is a botanical term that describes a structure found in certain plants. The word comes from the Greek words elater, meaning "catapult," and phorein, meaning "to carry." The spelling of this word is quite complex, with several silent letters and a variety of vowel sounds. In IPA phonetic transcription, the word is spelled /ɪˈleɪtəroʊfɔːr/, with emphasis on the second syllable. This pronunciation makes it clear that the first three letters are silent, while the third and fourth syllables rhyme.

Meaning and Definition
Common Misspellings
Etymology
Basic Check Advanced Check

ELATEROPHORE Meaning and Definition

  1. Elaterophore is a specialized structure found in certain plants, specifically in the elater-bearing capsules of mosses. Derived from the Greek terms "elatero," meaning "catapult," and "phore," meaning "bearer," elaterophore refers to a device or organ responsible for projecting out elaters.

    Elaters, on the other hand, are elongated, filamentous cells found inside the capsules of mosses. They play a crucial role in the dispersion of spores. Elaterophores are the structures that hold and release these elaters. They serve as catapult-like mechanisms that aid in the dispersal of spores, enhancing the chances of successful reproduction.

    The elaterophores are usually located at the base of the elater cells, and when the capsule is mature, they contract and release energy, propelling the elaters outwards. The ejection of elaters assists in the spore dispersal process, allowing them to be carried by air currents over considerable distances from the parent plant, thereby increasing the potential for colonization in new areas.

    The intricate mechanism of elaterophores is a remarkable evolutionary adaptation in mosses, ensuring efficient propagation and distribution of their spores.

Common Misspellings for ELATEROPHORE

Etymology of ELATEROPHORE

The word elaterophore comes from the combination of two Greek words: elateron meaning spring or propeller, and phoreo meaning to bear or to carry. Therefore, the literal translation of elaterophore is spring-bearing or propeller-bearing.