EMBRYOMORPHOUS Meaning and
Definition
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Embryomorphous, an adjective derived from the combination of "embryo" and "morphous," relates to the structural resemblance or form that an organism or organ retains throughout its various stages of development. Specifically, it describes the persistence of embryonic characteristics or features in an adult organism or organ.
An organism may exhibit embryomorphous traits when certain developmental processes that typically occur during embryogenesis are not fully completed, leading to the retention of characteristics present in the earlier stages of development. These characteristics can include the shape, structure, or arrangement of organs, tissues, or body parts.
The term "embryomorphous" can also refer to specific examples within a particular taxonomic group. For instance, in some insects, the adult stage might retain certain features resembling their larval form, such as undeveloped wings or other appendages. Similarly, in certain plants, specific organ structures may resemble those observed in seedlings or embryonic stages.
Embryomorphous traits can arise due to genetic mutations, environmental influences, or functional constraints. They can provide insights into evolutionary processes, as they often represent ancient ancestral features that persisted throughout different stages of development across multiple generations.
The study of embryomorphous traits is significant in various scientific fields, including evolutionary biology, developmental biology, and taxonomy. Researchers often examine and compare these features to understand the relationships between different species, investigate the evolutionary history of organisms, and explore the genetic and environmental factors that contribute to their development.
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1. Relating to the formation and structure of the embryo. 2. Noting structures or tissues in the body similar to those in the embryo, or embryonal rests.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for EMBRYOMORPHOUS
- embryomorphows
- embryomorphots
- embryomorphou3
- embryomorphouc
- embryomorphouq
- embryomorphour
- embryomorphoeus
- embryomoarphous
- e mbryomorphous
- em bryomorphous
- emb ryomorphous
- embr yomorphous
- embry omorphous
- embryo morphous
- embryom orphous
- embryomo rphous
- embryomorph ous
- embryomorpho us
- embryomorphou s
Etymology of EMBRYOMORPHOUS
The word "embryomorphous" is derived from two root words: "embryo" and "morphous".
The term "embryo" comes from the Greek word "embryon", meaning "unborn or prematurely born child". It refers to the early stages of development of a multicellular organism, particularly from fertilization to the point where the body structures start to form.
The word "morphous" is derived from the Greek word "morphe", meaning "form or shape". It refers to the external appearance or structure of an organism or its parts.
By combining these roots, "embryomorphous" is formed, which means having the form or structure of an embryo. It typically describes the appearance or shape of an organism or its parts, resembling the characteristics observed during embryonic development.
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