How Do You Spell MADREPORITE?

Pronunciation: [mˈadɹɪpˌɔːɹa͡ɪt] (IPA)

Madreporite (/ˌmædrəˈpɔːraɪt/) is a term used in sea stars and sea urchins to describe the porous plate in their exoskeleton used for water circulation. The word's spelling and pronunciation can be broken down by its etymology. "Madre" meaning mother in Latin, and "porite" meaning having a porous structure. The "ite" at the end of the word indicates a geological or mineralogical term, further emphasizing the term's relation to the exoskeleton. The word's phonetic transcription reflects the emphasis on the second syllable and the long "i" sound in "porite".

MADREPORITE Meaning and Definition

1. The madreporite refers to a specific structure found in certain marine invertebrates, particularly in echinoderms such as sea stars or starfish. It is a small, round, or oval-shaped plate located on the upper side of the animal's body, commonly referred to as the aboral surface. The madreporite serves as the entrance or opening to the water vascular system, a unique hydraulic system responsible for various vital functions in echinoderms.

   This specialized structure acts as a sieve or filter, allowing seawater to enter the water vascular system while preventing debris or foreign particles from entering. The water vascular system plays a crucial role in maintaining the animal's posture, locomotion, respiration, and feeding. It consists of a network of fluid-filled canals, which extend throughout the animal's body, reaching the tube feet that echinoderms use for movement. Through the action of muscles and the hydraulic pressure of seawater, this system enables the starfish to extend or retract its tube feet when capturing prey or moving across surfaces.

   The madreporite is typically distinguished by its distinct appearance or coloration, often appearing as a calcified or hardened structure. In some species, it may be covered or surrounded by spines or other protective structures. Due to its significance in the function and survival of echinoderms, the madreporite is an essential anatomical feature to identify and study in marine biology and related fields.

2. • A fossil coral.

   • Fossil madrepore; a variety of limestone having a small prismatic or columnar structure which looks like the pore arrangement of coral, but which is only a species of crystallisation.

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

Common Misspellings for MADREPORITE

• nadreporite
• kadreporite
• jadreporite
• mzdreporite
• msdreporite
• mwdreporite
• mqdreporite
• masreporite
• maxreporite
• macreporite
• mafreporite
• marreporite
• maereporite
• madeeporite
• maddeporite
• madfeporite
• madteporite
• mad5eporite
• mad4eporite

Etymology of MADREPORITE

The word "Madreporite" has its origins in the Latin language. It is derived from the Latin words "mater" meaning "mother" and "porus" meaning "pore". In biology, a madreporite refers to a specialized opening found in the exoskeleton of many echinoderms, particularly sea stars and sea urchins. This term was coined based on its resemblance to a small porous plate, similar to a pore, serving as an entrance for water into the water vascular system of these organisms. Hence, "Madreporite" can be understood as a literal translation of "mother pore" or "pore of the mother", possibly referring to the importance of this structure in the overall functioning of the organism.

Plural form of MADREPORITE is MADREPORITES