How Do You Spell METACHROMASY?

Pronunciation: [mˌɛtət͡ʃɹˈə͡ʊməsi] (IPA)

Metachromasy is a rare word used to describe the ability of certain cells to change colour when stained. The IPA phonetic transcription of this word is /mɛtəˈkrəʊməsi/. The first syllable of the word "meta" is pronounced as /mɛtə/, while the second syllable "chroma" is pronounced as /ˈkrəʊmə/. The suffix "-sy" is pronounced as /si/. When pronounced together, the word sounds exactly as it is spelled. Knowing the correct pronunciation and spelling of the word is crucial in scientific research, where accuracy and precision is essential.

METACHROMASY Meaning and Definition

1. Metachromasy refers to a phenomenon observed in histology where certain stains used in laboratory procedures produce a color that is different from what would be expected based on typical staining reactions. It is the ability of certain substances or structures within cells to exhibit a different color from the original dye used for staining. The term "metachromasy" is derived from the Greek words "meta" (meaning "beyond" or "change") and "chroma" (meaning "color").

   In metachromasy, the stained substances or structures appear with colors that are often complementary or contrasting to the expected dye color. This color shift occurs due to the unique chemical and physical properties of particular substances, such as certain carbohydrates and proteins, present in the cellular components. For example, when stained with a specific dye, the granules of mast cells may appear purple instead of the original color of the dye.

   Metachromasy can be observed using various histological staining techniques, such as toluidine blue or thionin staining. This property has significant diagnostic and research implications, as it allows differentiation and identification of specific cellular components or structures based on their color variation. Metachromasy can be seen in various biological specimens, including tissues, cells, and extracellular materials.

   Overall, metachromasy is a valuable phenomenon in histological studies that aids in the accurate identification and classification of cellular components based on their unique staining characteristics and color shifts.

Common Misspellings for METACHROMASY

• Metachromasia
• metachromasy:
• metachromasie
• metacromasy
• metachromasys
• metacromasys

Etymology of METACHROMASY

The word "metachromasy" is derived from two roots: "meta" and "chroma".

The prefix "meta" comes from the Greek word "metá" which means "change" or "beyond". It is commonly used in English to indicate a change or transformation beyond the usual or primary state.

The root "chroma" comes from the Greek word "chróma" which means "color". It refers to the quality of light that creates different visual sensations and perceptions.

Putting the two roots together, "metachromasy" therefore refers to a phenomenon or characteristic that involves a change or alteration in color perception or response, indicating a deviation from the normal color perception.