How Do You Spell PARAPHYSIS?

Pronunciation: [pˈaɹəfəsˌɪs] (IPA)

The word "paraphysis" is spelled with two syllables: [pæɹəˈfaɪsɪs]. In this word, the "ph" is pronounced as an "f" sound, while the "y" is pronounced as an "i" sound. The "a" in the first syllable is pronounced as a short "a," while the "a" in the second syllable is pronounced as a long "a." The final "is" is pronounced as "iz." Overall, the IPA phonetic transcription helps to ensure that the word is spelled and pronounced correctly.

PARAPHYSIS Meaning and Definition

1. A paraphysis is a term that primarily belongs to the field of botany, specifically mycology. It refers to a specialized structure found in some fungi, particularly in relation to their reproductive structures, such as the fruiting bodies known as sporophores. The term "paraphysis" is derived from the Greek words "para," meaning beside or near, and "physis," meaning growth or nature.

   In fungi, paraphyses are sterile, non-reproductive structures that are interspersed among the fertile structures like basidia or asci within the hymenium. They are usually elongated cells or filaments that differ in shape and size from the reproductive cells present in the same structure. Their main function is to provide support, protection, or assist in the dispersal of spores by helping to regulate the air flow, moisture levels, or the viscosity of the spore mass. Paraphyses may also contribute to the attraction of insects or promote the adherence of spores to surfaces.

   The presence, size, density, or characteristics of paraphyses can be essential features in the identification and classification of fungal species. They can exhibit vast variations in morphology, including apical modifications, branching, or septations, aiding in distinguishing different taxa. Paraphyses can be observed and studied using a microscope, especially by microscopic examination of stained or mounted preparations. Thus, understanding the structure and role of paraphyses is valuable for professionals, researchers, or enthusiasts involved in the study of fungi and their diversity.

2. In botany, a sterile filament or narrow band of cells accompanying the sexual organs in cryptogamous plants.

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

Common Misspellings for PARAPHYSIS

• oaraphysis
• laraphysis
• -araphysis
• 0araphysis
• pzraphysis
• psraphysis
• pwraphysis
• pqraphysis
• paeaphysis
• padaphysis
• pafaphysis
• pataphysis
• pa5aphysis
• pa4aphysis
• parzphysis
• parsphysis
• parwphysis
• parqphysis
• paraohysis

Etymology of PARAPHYSIS

The word "paraphysis" comes from the Greek words "para", which means "beside", and "physis", which means "growth" or "nature". In botanical terminology, paraphysis refers to elongated sterile cells found alongside reproductive structures in certain plants, including mosses, liverworts, and ferns. The term was first introduced in the mid-19th century by German botanist Heinrich Anton de Bary.

Plural form of PARAPHYSIS is PARAPHYSES