PERITRICHAL Meaning and
Definition
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Peritrichal is an adjective that describes the arrangement or distribution of certain structures, particularly in biology and microbiology. The word stems from the prefix "peri-" meaning "around" and "trich" which refers to hair or hair-like structures.
In general, peritrichal pertains to the placement or distribution of cilia, flagella, or other similar appendages around the surface of a cell or organism. These hair-like structures, such as cilia or flagella, are responsible for various functions such as locomotion or capturing food particles.
More specifically, peritrichal can refer to the arrangement of cilia in certain organisms, such as protozoans or certain types of bacteria. In these cases, the cilia are distributed in a ring-like or spiral pattern around the outer surface of the organism.
This term can also be used to describe the arrangement of certain structures within a specific region. For example, in the context of the gastrointestinal system, peritrichal might refer to the distribution of hair-like structures called microvilli lining the intestinal walls. These microvilli increase the surface area for absorption of nutrients.
In summary, the word peritrichal pertains to the distribution, arrangement, or placement of hair-like structures, particularly cilia or flagella, around the surface of a cell, organism, or specific region.
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1. Relating to cilia or other appendicular organs projecting from the periphery of a cell. 2. Noting microorganisms having cilia or flagella projecting from all sides and not at the poles alone.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for PERITRICHAL
- peritrachal
- oeritrichal
- leritrichal
- -eritrichal
- 0eritrichal
- pwritrichal
- psritrichal
- pdritrichal
- prritrichal
- p4ritrichal
- p3ritrichal
- peeitrichal
- peditrichal
- pefitrichal
- petitrichal
- pe5itrichal
- pe4itrichal
- perutrichal
- perjtrichal
- perktrichal
Etymology of PERITRICHAL
The word "peritrichal" is derived from two components: "peri-" and "trichal".
1. "Peri-" is a prefix in English originating from the Greek word "peri" (περί) meaning "around" or "surrounding". It is commonly used to indicate "perimeter", "peripheral", or "surrounding" in various scientific and technical terms.
2. "Trichal" is derived from the Greek word "trichos" (τριχός) meaning "hair". It is related to hair-like structures, such as cilia or flagella, that are found in various organisms.
Combining both elements, "peritrichal" refers to something situated or distributed around hairs or hair-like structures.
