How Do You Spell METAMER?

Pronunciation: [mˌɛtəmˈɜː] (IPA)

The word "metamer" refers to a repeated unit in a segmented body, such as the segments of a worm or the petals of a flower. The spelling of the word can be explained using IPA phonetic transcription as [mɛtəmər]. The first syllable, "met," is pronounced with a short "e" sound, similar to the word "met." The second syllable, "-amer," is pronounced with a schwa sound followed by the letter "m." This unique spelling perfectly represents the word's meaning and pronunciation.

METAMER Meaning and Definition

1. Metamer is a term commonly used in the fields of biology, optics, and chemistry, referring to a class of compounds that share the same molecular formula but differ in the arrangement or positioning of their constituent atoms. In simpler words, metamers are substances that exhibit a structural variation while retaining the same chemical formula.

   In biology, metamerism refers to the segmentation found in many living organisms. It is characterized by a series of repeated body segments that are structurally similar or identical, often seen in animals such as earthworms or arthropods. This segmentation aids in movement and provides flexibility.

   In the field of optics, metamerism describes the phenomenon where two objects appear to have the same color under a specific lighting condition, despite actually having different spectral compositions. This occurs because the objects reflect or emit the same wavelengths of light that stimulate the same responses from our eyes' color receptors, resulting in a subjective perception of identical colors.

   In chemistry, metamerism arises when isomers possess different connectivity or arrangement of atoms, resulting in distinct chemical and physical properties. Metamers are commonly observed in organic compounds, with an example being the different isomers of butane, where the carbon atoms can be arranged in a straight chain or branched structure.

   Overall, the concept of metamerism encompasses various aspects of structural similarity, repeated patterns, and color perception across different fields of study.

2. One of two or more metameric substances.

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

Common Misspellings for METAMER

• metamers
• metamerd
• metamerr
• netamer
• ketamer
• jetamer
• mwtamer
• mstamer
• mdtamer
• mrtamer
• m4tamer
• m3tamer
• meramer
• mefamer
• megamer
• meyamer
• me6amer
• me5amer
• metzmer
• metsmer

Etymology of METAMER

The word "metamer" has its origins in Greek. It comes from the Greek roots "meta" meaning "beyond" or "transformation" and "meros" meaning "part". When combined, "metamer" literally translates to "beyond part" or "transformational part". In the scientific context, the term is used to refer to repeating structural units in compounds, such as isomers or polymers, that have similar chemical compositions but slightly different arrangements or configurations.

Plural form of METAMER is METAMERS