How Do You Spell SUSTENTACULAR?

Pronunciation: [sˌʌstəntˈakjʊlə] (IPA)

The word "sustentacular" (suh-sten-TAK-yoo-lar) refers to something that supports or sustains. Its spelling can be broken down phonetically as "suh" for the short "u" sound, "sten" for the "eh" sound in "bed", "TAK" for the hard "t" sound followed by the soft "k" sound, "yoo" for the long "u" sound, and "lar" for the "ar" sound as in "car". This complex spelling highlights the importance of accurate pronunciation and spelling in scientific and medical terminology.

SUSTENTACULAR Meaning and Definition

1. The term "sustentacular" is an adjective that refers to something that provides support, sustenance, or maintenance. It is derived from the Latin word "sustentare," meaning "to sustain" or "to support."

   In an anatomical context, the term is often used to describe a specific type of cell or tissue that supports and nourishes other cells or structures within an organ. For example, in the testes, sustentacular cells (also known as Sertoli cells) provide support and nutrition to developing spermatozoa. Similarly, in the olfactory epithelium of the nasal cavity, sustentacular cells serve to support and regulate the function of the olfactory sensory neurons.

   Beyond anatomy, "sustentacular" can also be used metaphorically to describe anything that supports, nourishes, or maintains the existence or functioning of something else. For instance, in an ecosystem, certain plant species may be considered sustentacular to the survival of various animal species by providing food, shelter, or other necessary resources. In a business context, a loyal customer base can be considered sustentacular to the success and sustainability of a company.

   Overall, "sustentacular" denotes a role or characteristic of providing essential support, sustenance, or maintenance, whether in a biological, ecological, or metaphorical sense.

2. Relating to a sustentaculum, supporting.

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

Common Misspellings for SUSTENTACULAR

• austentacular
• zustentacular
• xustentacular
• dustentacular
• eustentacular
• wustentacular
• systentacular
• shstentacular
• sjstentacular
• sistentacular
• s8stentacular
• s7stentacular
• suatentacular
• suztentacular
• suxtentacular
• sudtentacular
• suetentacular
• suwtentacular
• susrentacular

Etymology of SUSTENTACULAR

The word "sustentacular" is derived from the Latin term "sustentare", which means "to sustain" or "to support". The Latin word is a combination of "sustinere" (to hold up) and "tangere" (to touch). The suffix "-acular" is added to indicate "pertaining to" or "related to". Therefore, "sustentacular" refers to something that is supporting or maintaining.

Similar spelling word for SUSTENTACULAR

• sustentation.