How Do You Spell METATHERIAN?

Pronunciation: [mˌɛtəθˈi͡əɹɪən] (IPA)

Metatherian is spelled as \mɛtəˈθɛriən\, with emphasis on the second syllable. The word refers to a type of mammal that gives birth to underdeveloped young that continue to develop outside the womb. This term derives from Greek "meta-" meaning "beyond" and "therios" which means "beast" or "wild animal." The spelling of Metatherian follows the standard pronunciation rules of English language, with the emphasis on the second syllable and the use of phonemes that match how the word sounds when spoken.

METATHERIAN Meaning and Definition

1. Metatherian is an adjective used to describe a specific group of mammals belonging to the infraclass Metatheria. This term refers to a diverse lineage of marsupials, which are characterized by their unique reproductive system and physiological features. With a dictionary definition, one can understand metatherians as a distinct taxonomic group within the broader classification of mammals.

   Metatherians are characterized by their unique mode of reproduction, in which the young are born at a very early stage of development and further complete their growth in a pouch called a marsupium. This reproductive strategy contrasts with the eutherians, or placental mammals, in which the offspring develop to a more advanced stage within the mother's womb. This distinction sets them apart in terms of their reproductive biology and evolutionary adaptations.

   Metatherians are found primarily in Australia, New Guinea, and the Americas. The most famous representative of this group is the kangaroo, which is native to Australia. However, there is a wide diversity of metatherians, and their size, physiology, and ecological roles can vary significantly.

   In summary, metatherian refers to a group of mammals characterized by their unique mode of reproduction, in which the young are born at an early stage and continue development in a pouch. This term is commonly used to describe marsupials, such as the kangaroo, which belong to the infraclass Metatheria.

Common Misspellings for METATHERIAN

• netatherian
• ketatherian
• jetatherian
• mwtatherian
• mstatherian
• mdtatherian
• mrtatherian
• m4tatherian
• m3tatherian
• meratherian
• me6atherian
• me5atherian
• metztherian
• metstherian
• metwtherian
• metqtherian
• metarherian
• metafherian
• metagherian

Etymology of METATHERIAN

The word "metatherian" comes from the combination of two Greek roots: "meta", meaning "beyond" or "after", and "therion", meaning "beast" or "animal". The term was first coined by the British anatomist Sir Richard Owen in 1837 to describe a group of mammals that give birth to relatively undeveloped young, which then complete their development in a pouch. This group includes marsupials such as kangaroos, koalas, and opossums. So, "metatherian" essentially refers to mammals that have a pouch and whose young develop outside of the womb.

Similar spelling words for METATHERIAN

• mediator,
• methedrine,
• metatarsal,
• mediatrix,
• Mediatorial,
• metatheria.

Plural form of METATHERIAN is METATHERIANS