How Do You Spell MERLES?

Pronunciation: [mˈɜːlz] (IPA)

The word "merles" is a complex word when it comes to spelling. According to the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA), "merles" can be spelled /mərls/. The three symbols represent three different sounds. The first, 'm' is the consonant sound of the letter 'm'. The second sound, 'ər' is the unstressed vowel sound of the first syllable. The third sound, 'ls' is the consonant sound of the letters 'l' and 's' combined. Overall, the spelling of "merles" depends on one's familiarity with English spelling rules and the use of the IPA.

MERLES Meaning and Definition

1. Merles refers to a term used to describe genes or mutations in certain species of animals that result in dark or black plumage or fur, typically with a patchy or speckled pattern. It primarily pertains to birds, specifically those in the thrush family, although it can also be used to refer to similar characteristics in other animals such as cats or dogs.

   In birds, such as the European blackbird or American robin, merles are caused by a genetic mutation that affects the distribution of pigments in feathers. This results in irregular patches or streaks of dark coloration among the typical lighter or more common plumage. Merles can also affect the eye pigmentation, resulting in striking blue or heterochromatic eyes.

   The term "merles" can also be used to refer to a specific breed of domestic dog, known as the merle color pattern. These dogs, such as Australian Shepherds or Border Collies, exhibit a distinct pattern of patches or spots on their fur, which can be a combination of different colors, including black, gray, brown, or red. The merle coloration is caused by a genetic mutation that disrupts the even distribution of pigments in the fur, resulting in a unique and eye-catching appearance.

   Overall, merles describe gene variations and associated physical features, specifically related to dark, patchy, or speckled pigmentation in animals, commonly observed in birds and certain breeds of dogs.

Common Misspellings for MERLES

• marles
• merls
• merle
• murles
• nerles
• mwrles
• mdrles
• mrrles
• m4rles
• m3rles
• me5les
• merlws
• merlss
• merlrs
• merl4s
• merl3s
• merlez
• nmerles
• mnerles
• kmerles

Etymology of MERLES

The word "merles" is derived from the Old French word "merle", which originally referred to a blackbird. It can be traced back to the Latin word "merula", also meaning blackbird. Over time, the term "merle" has been used to describe other birds with dark plumage, such as thrushes and starlings. The plural form "merles" simply indicates more than one of these birds.

Similar spelling word for MERLES

• Merlos.