ERYTHRISM Meaning and
Definition
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Erythrism is a biological phenomenon characterized by an excessive production or accumulation of red pigments in an individual organism. It is commonly observed in animals, particularly birds, mammals, reptiles, insects, and fish. This condition manifests in varying levels of reddish or pinkish hues on the skin, fur, feathers, or other parts of the affected organism's body.
The term "erythrism" is derived from the Greek word "erythros," meaning red. It is primarily caused by an abnormality or mutation in the genes responsible for the production or distribution of pigments in an organism. This genetic anomaly often results in the overproduction of red pigments, such as pheomelanins, leading to a reddish appearance.
Erythrism can affect different species to varying degrees. In some cases, individuals may display only slight reddening, while in others, the coloring can be so intense that it significantly deviates from the species' typical appearance. This condition may also result in the reddening of the eyes or other internal structures.
Erythrism is generally considered a rare occurrence and can have diverse underlying causes. It is distinct from other pigmentary abnormalities, such as albinism or melanism, which involve a deficiency or excess of pigments other than red. While erythrism often does not impair an organism's overall health, the conspicuous change in appearance can impact its survival and reproductive success by enhancing or diminishing its ability to blend into its environment or attract mates.
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Redness of the hair and beard with a ruddy, freckled complexion.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for ERYTHRISM
- wrythrism
- srythrism
- drythrism
- rrythrism
- 4rythrism
- 3rythrism
- eeythrism
- edythrism
- efythrism
- etythrism
- e5ythrism
- e4ythrism
- ertthrism
- ergthrism
- erhthrism
- eruthrism
- er7thrism
- er6thrism
- eryrhrism
Etymology of ERYTHRISM
The word "Erythrism" derives from the Greek word "erythros", meaning "red". "Erythrism" is specifically derived from the Greek term "erythros", along with the suffix "-ism", which is used to form nouns indicating a state, condition, or quality. Thus, "Erythrism" refers to a condition or state of being red, typically used in the context of biology to describe animals or organisms with reddish coloring.
Similar spelling words for ERYTHRISM
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