How Do You Spell METACHROSIS?

Pronunciation: [mˌɛtət͡ʃɹˈə͡ʊsɪs] (IPA)

Metachrosis is a medical term that describes a condition where the skin of an organism changes its color. The IPA phonetic transcription for this word is /ˌmɛtəˈkroʊsɪs/, which means that the first syllable is pronounced with a short "e" sound, followed by the stress on the second syllable with a long "o" sound. The final syllable is pronounced with a short "i" sound, and the "ch" consonant is pronounced with a "k" sound. Understanding the correct spelling of medical terminology is important for effective communication among healthcare professionals.

METACHROSIS Meaning and Definition

1. Metachrosis is a term used in biology to describe a phenomenon where an organism undergoes a change in color or pigment pattern. Derived from the Greek words "meta" meaning change and "chros" meaning color, metachrosis is predominantly observed in animals and, to a lesser extent, in plants. This process allows the organism to alter its appearance as a form of camouflage, communication, or in response to environmental factors.

   In animals, metachrosis commonly occurs in species such as chameleons, octopuses, and cuttlefish, where they possess specialized cells called chromatophores. These cells contain pigments that can redistribute and change the surface coloration of the animal, enabling them to blend with their surroundings, attract mates, or intimidate predators. Metachrosis can also be seen in certain species of fish and frogs.

   Metachrosis in plants is primarily seen in foliage, flowers, and fruits, where changes in pigment result in variations of color. This adaptation aids in attracting pollinators, seed dispersal, or as a response to changes in light intensity or nutrient availability.

   The study of metachrosis is crucial in understanding the adaptations and survival strategies employed by organisms. It sheds light on the complex interplay between genetics, environmental cues, and physiological responses that enable organisms to modify their coloration for various purposes.

2. A change of color, such as occurs in certain animals, as the chameleon; metachromatism.

   A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.

Common Misspellings for METACHROSIS

• netachrosis
• ketachrosis
• jetachrosis
• mwtachrosis
• mstachrosis
• mdtachrosis
• mrtachrosis
• m4tachrosis
• m3tachrosis
• merachrosis
• mefachrosis
• megachrosis
• meyachrosis
• me6achrosis
• me5achrosis
• metzchrosis
• metschrosis
• metwchrosis
• metqchrosis
• metaxhrosis

Etymology of METACHROSIS

The word "metachrosis" is derived from the combination of two Greek roots: "meta" meaning "change" or "transformation", and "chrosis" meaning "color" or "pigment". Thus, "metachrosis" refers to a change in color or pigmentation.

Similar spelling words for METACHROSIS

• motocrosses,
• Metachoresis,
• matgrasses,
• mediocracies,
• metachroses.

Plural form of METACHROSIS is METACHROSES