Pronunciation: [pˈɛnte͡ɪməɹəs] (IPA) 
Pentamerous is a word commonly used in biology to describe organisms that have their parts arranged in fives, such as starfish. The IPA phonetic transcription for this word is pɛntəmɛrəs, with stress on the second syllable. The "p" is pronounced as "p", the "e" as "ɛ", and the "nt" as "nt". The "a" is pronounced as "ə", the "m" as "m", and the "e" as "ɛ". Finally, the "r" is pronounced as "r" and the "s" as "s".
Pentamerous is an adjective that is derived from the Greek words "pente" meaning five and "meros" meaning part. This term is predominantly used in the fields of botany, zoology, and biology to describe a specific pattern or structure that is divided into five parts or segments. It refers to organisms or structures that exhibit a radial symmetry or arrangement based on five equal divisions.
In botany, pentamerous is commonly used to describe flowers that contain five equal petals or sepals attached to the base of the corolla or calyx respectively. This arrangement is often found in plants of the rose family (Rosaceae) and other related families. For instance, a classic example of a pentamerous flower is the wild rose (Rosa spp.), having five petals and sepals around a central reproductive structure.
In zoology, the term pentamerous refers to organisms with body parts arranged in fives. This can include animals from echinoderms, such as starfish, sea urchins, and sand dollars, which possess radial symmetry with arms or appendages extending from a central point. These organisms exhibit a pentamerous pattern with multiple limbs radiating symmetrically from their central body region.
In summary, pentamerous describes an arrangement or structure characterized by being divided into five equal parts or segments, commonly observed in flower petals, sepals, and certain animal species with radial symmetry.
In bot., composed of five parts; having the elements of the floral whorls five in number, or multiples of five.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word pentamerous is derived from the combination of two Greek roots: penta, meaning five, and meros, meaning part or segment.
