MONILIFORM Meaning and
Definition
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Moniliform is an adjective used to describe an object or organism that has a series of bead-like swellings or structures arranged in a linear or cylindrical form. Derived from the Latin word "monile," meaning necklace, and "forma," meaning shape or form, moniliform typically refers to a structure resembling a string of beads, similar to a necklace.
In botany, moniliform is commonly used to describe a type of inflorescence, or a branching arrangement of flowers, where the main floral axis elongates and bears a series of closely spaced, rounded or bead-like structures along its length. This can often be observed in grasses, where the inflorescence appears like a delicate string of pearls.
The term can also be used to describe certain anatomical features in animals, such as moniliform nerve fibers. These are nerve fibers that display a series of bead-like swellings along their length, due to the presence of enlarged nodes of Ranvier. This characteristic is particularly notable in certain invertebrates, where the nodes are involved in conducting electrical impulses.
Overall, the term moniliform is primarily employed in the biological and botanical context to depict a linear arrangement of bead-like structures, reminiscent of a necklace or string of pearls, and is used to describe various features in plants, animals, and other organisms.
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Like a necklace; jointed or united so as to resemble a string of beads.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for MONILIFORM
Etymology of MONILIFORM
The word "moniliform" derives from the Latin word "monile", which means "necklace" or "string of beads", and the Latin suffix "-formis", which means "having the form or shape of". "Moniliform" is used to describe something that has the shape or form of a string of beads, referring to a series of similar or connected parts.
