metachrosis: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very rareHighly technical/scientific
Quick answer
What does “metachrosis” mean?
The ability of certain animals, especially reptiles and amphibians, to change colour.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The ability of certain animals, especially reptiles and amphibians, to change colour.
In zoology and biology, the physiological process involving the rapid change of skin colour or pattern in response to environmental stimuli, mood, temperature, or communication needs, typically controlled by chromatophores.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or spelling. Both variants use the same term.
Connotations
Purely scientific, with no cultural or regional connotations.
Frequency
Extremely rare in both dialects, confined to specialist literature.
Grammar
How to Use “metachrosis” in a Sentence
[Animal] exhibits metachrosis.Metachrosis is a process in which [animal] changes colour.The study focused on the mechanisms of metachrosis.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “metachrosis” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The metachrotic capabilities of the cephalopod were remarkable.
- A metachrotic response was triggered by the predator.
American English
- The metachrotic abilities of the lizard were studied.
- Researchers observed a metachrotic reaction to stress.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in specialised zoology, herpetology, and physiology papers.
Everyday
Virtually never used; 'colour-changing' or 'camouflage' would be used instead.
Technical
The primary domain; refers to the specific biological process.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “metachrosis”
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “metachrosis”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “metachrosis”
- Misspelling as 'metachroses' (plural) or 'metachrosisis'. Confusing it with 'metamorphosis'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Primarily reptiles like chameleons and certain lizards, amphibians like frogs, and cephalopods like octopuses and cuttlefish.
Not exactly. Camouflage is a function or result. Metachrosis is the specific physiological process that enables colour change, which can be used for camouflage, but also for signalling, temperature control, or mood expression.
In British English: /ˌmɛtəˈkrəʊsɪs/ (met-uh-KROH-sis). In American English: /ˌmɛtəˈkroʊsɪs/ (met-uh-KROH-sis). The main difference is the vowel in the stressed syllable (/əʊ/ vs /oʊ/).
Only if you are a student or professional in zoology, herpetology, or a related biological field. It is a highly specialised technical term.
The ability of certain animals, especially reptiles and amphibians, to change colour.
Metachrosis is usually highly technical/scientific in register.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: META (change) + CHROSIS (relating to colour, from Greek 'chrōs' = skin, colour).
Conceptual Metaphor
The skin as a dynamic canvas or adaptive display.
Practice
Quiz
Metachrosis is a biological term primarily referring to: