How Do You Spell RAPHIDES?

Pronunciation: [ɹˈafa͡ɪdz] (IPA)

Raphides is a term used to describe needle-like crystals found in the tissues of plants. The spelling of Raphides is determined by its origin and is derived from the Greek word "raphis" which means needle. The IPA phonetic transcription spells out the word as /ˈræfɪdiːz/. The initial "r" sound is pronounced as a voiced alveolar approximant with the letter "a" pronounced as the short vowel sound. The last syllable "id" is pronounced as "id-eez" with the stress on the second syllable.

RAPHIDES Meaning and Definition

1. Raphides are microscopic needle-shaped crystals found in the cells of plants. These crystals are composed mainly of calcium oxalate, a common chemical compound found in nature. Raphides are one of the most common forms of calcium oxalate crystals found in plants. They are typically elongated and their shape resembles needles or small rods.

   The exact purpose of raphides in plants is still not fully understood. However, it is believed that they serve as a defense mechanism against herbivores and pathogens. When plant tissues containing raphides are damaged, the crystals are released and can cause injury or irritation to the mouth and digestive system of herbivores, deterring them from consuming the plant. Some studies also suggest that raphides may be involved in regulating calcium levels in plants or serving as a storage form of calcium.

   Raphides can be found in various parts of a plant, including leaves, stems, and roots. They are commonly found in plants from the Araceae, Liliaceae, and Moraceae families, among others. Raphides are often visible under a microscope or can even be observed macroscopically in certain plants.

   In conclusion, raphides are microscopic needle-shaped crystals made of calcium oxalate that are found in plants. They are believed to function as a defense mechanism and may have other physiological roles within the plant.

2. In bot., minute crystals, like needles, found in the tissues of plants.

   Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Common Misspellings for RAPHIDES

• aphises
• rachides
• rachises
• trachides
• raphyides
• raphiedes
• raphiides
• Rachitades
• rawhiedes
• rawhydes
• raphidia
• Raphidies
• Aphidaes
• Raphydies
• Afhides

Etymology of RAPHIDES

The word "raphides" comes from the Greek word "raphis", meaning "needle". Raphides are needle-like crystals of calcium oxalate that can be found in the tissues of plants, particularly in their stems and leaves. The term was first coined by the German botanist Carl Friedrich Philipp von Martius in the early 19th century.

Similar spelling words for RAPHIDES

• revotes,
• RFTDS,
• rifts,
• rafowicz,
• refutes,
• mantle-rivets,
• REFDES,
• ravidas,
• RFODS,
• RFDS,
• refits,
• RIVDIS,
• refights,
• ravitz,
• Rhaphides,
• ravidass,
• refeeds,
• ROAFTS,
• RVADS,
• rafetus,
• refoots,
• revets,
• rafts,
• ravidassia,
• HRVDS,
• RIFDS,
• RFTAS,
• rivets.