MULTILOCULAR Meaning and
Definition
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Multilocular is an adjective that describes something or refers to a structure having multiple compartments or cells. The term is commonly used in biology and medicine to describe organs, tissues, or organisms that contain several cavities or chambers. This characteristic enables a higher degree of organization, as different compartments within the structure can serve distinct functions.
In anatomy, multilocular often refers to a type of adipose, or fat, tissue. This type of fat contains several small lipid droplets within individual cells called adipocytes, as opposed to unilocular fat, which consists of a single large lipid droplet per cell. Multilocular adipose tissue is involved in thermoregulation, as well as energy storage, and is typically found in certain regions of the body, such as the neck and collarbone area.
The term multilocular can also be used to describe the reproductive structures of certain plants. For instance, a multilocular capsule refers to a plant part, usually containing seeds, that is divided into multiple compartments. This characteristic facilitates seed dispersal and reproductive success.
In summary, multilocular is an adjective used to describe structures that contain multiple compartments or cells. Whether referencing adipose tissue or reproductive structures in plants, this term highlights the complexity and functional diversity within these multicomponent structures.
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Many-celled, having many compartments or loculi.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for MULTILOCULAR
- Multilocar
- nultilocular
- kultilocular
- jultilocular
- myltilocular
- mhltilocular
- mjltilocular
- miltilocular
- m8ltilocular
- m7ltilocular
- muktilocular
- muptilocular
- muotilocular
- mulrilocular
- mulfilocular
- mulgilocular
- mulyilocular
- mul6ilocular
- mul5ilocular
- multulocular
Etymology of MULTILOCULAR
The word "multilocular" comes from the combination of two Latin roots: "multi-" and "loculus".
1. "Multi-" is a combining form derived from the Latin word "multus", which means "many" or "much". It denotes a large quantity or a multiplicity of something.
2. "Loculus" is a Latin word that refers to a small compartment, cell, or chamber. It is derived from the Latin word "locus", meaning "place" or "location".
By combining these roots, "multilocular" is formed, with "multi-" indicating multiple or many, and "loculus" denoting a small compartment or chamber. Hence, the term "multilocular" is used to describe something that has multiple compartments or chambers.
