chorioallantois: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very Low FrequencySpecialised Scientific/Technical
Quick answer
What does “chorioallantois” mean?
An extraembryonic membrane formed in birds, reptiles, and some mammals by the fusion of the chorion and the allantois, serving important functions in respiration and waste removal.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
An extraembryonic membrane formed in birds, reptiles, and some mammals by the fusion of the chorion and the allantois, serving important functions in respiration and waste removal.
In embryology, a highly vascularized structure that develops during gestation and is crucial for gas exchange and nutrient/waste transfer between the embryo and its environment. In virology and experimental biology, specifically in embryonated eggs, the chorioallantoic membrane is a standard substrate for culturing viruses and studying tissue growth.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical or spelling differences. Both dialects use the same term identically.
Connotations
Purely technical, with no differential cultural or emotional connotations.
Frequency
Identically low frequency in both varieties, confined to specialist literature and laboratories.
Grammar
How to Use “chorioallantois” in a Sentence
The [virus/tissue] was inoculated onto the chorioallantois.The fusion of the chorion and allantois forms the chorioallantois.Grafts were placed on the chorioallantoic membrane of the egg.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “chorioallantois” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The chorioallantoic graft provided a clear model for angiogenesis.
- Chorioallantoic development was observed daily.
American English
- The chorioallantoic culture technique is standard in many labs.
- Chorioallantoic fluid was aspirated for analysis.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in specialised papers and textbooks in embryology, developmental biology, virology, and veterinary science.
Everyday
Never used in everyday conversation.
Technical
Primary context: used precisely to describe the specific fused membrane in embryos/eggs, especially in experimental protocols.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “chorioallantois”
Neutral
Weak
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “chorioallantois”
- Misspelling: 'chorioallantoic' is correct for the adjective, not 'chorioallantic'.
- Mispronunciation: Stress is on the fifth syllable (ə-LAN-to-is), not the first or third.
- Confusing it with the chorion or allantois separately; it is specifically their fused product.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, but it is analogous in function. The chorioallantois is an extraembryonic membrane in birds, reptiles, and monotremes. In most mammals, the chorion and allantois contribute to forming the placenta, but the structure is different.
The CAM is easily accessible in fertilised chicken eggs, highly vascular, and immunologically tolerant, making it an ideal, low-cost living system for culturing viruses, testing drug toxicity, and studying tumour growth or blood vessel formation.
Yes, though rare. The standard plural is 'chorioallantoises' or, more commonly, you would refer to multiple 'chorioallantoic membranes'.
It is a compound: 'chorio-' (from chorion, an outer membrane) + 'allantois' (a sac-like membrane involved in waste and gas exchange). It literally means the fused structure of these two membranes.
An extraembryonic membrane formed in birds, reptiles, and some mammals by the fusion of the chorion and the allantois, serving important functions in respiration and waste removal.
Chorioallantois is usually specialised scientific/technical in register.
Chorioallantois: in British English it is pronounced /ˌkɔːrɪəʊəˈlæntəʊɪs/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌkɔrioʊəˈlæntoʊɪs/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'CHORus of vessels' + 'ALLANToin (a compound)' + 'IS' for 'it is' the fused membrane. A choir (chorio) of allantois singers make the membrane.
Practice
Quiz
In which organism is a chorioallantois NOT typically found?