metamere: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
RareTechnical / Scientific
Quick answer
What does “metamere” mean?
A segment of the body of an animal, repeated along the anterior-posterior axis, especially in segmented invertebrates (e.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A segment of the body of an animal, repeated along the anterior-posterior axis, especially in segmented invertebrates (e.g., earthworms) and some vertebrates (e.g., fish) during embryonic development.
In a broader evolutionary or developmental biological context, any serial homologous structure or repeated body unit within an organism.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage.
Connotations
Purely technical with no extra connotation in either variety.
Frequency
Equally rare and confined to specialist literature in both regions.
Grammar
How to Use “metamere” in a Sentence
metamere of [body part]metamere in [organism]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “metamere” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The metameral segmentation was clearly visible.
American English
- The metamere structure was examined.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Never used.
Academic
Used exclusively in zoology, anatomy, and evolutionary biology texts and papers.
Everyday
Virtually never used.
Technical
The primary context; used to describe segmented body plans in invertebrates and vertebrate embryology.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “metamere”
- Using 'metamere' to refer to any body part, rather than a specifically repeated, serial segment.
- Confusing it with 'metamerism' (the condition of having metameres).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
In vertebrate embryology, a somite is a type of metamere. 'Metamere' is the broader term for a body segment; 'somite' refers specifically to the segmented blocks of mesoderm in developing vertebrates.
Humans exhibit metamerism during embryonic development (seen in somites, which give rise to vertebrae and skeletal muscle), but the adult body plan is not overtly segmented like an earthworm's.
'Metamerism' is the state or condition of being segmented into metameres. A 'metamere' is the individual segment itself.
In general biological contexts, 'segment' is an acceptable synonym. However, in precise technical writing, 'metamere' emphasises the concept of serial homology and is the more specific term.
A segment of the body of an animal, repeated along the anterior-posterior axis, especially in segmented invertebrates (e.
Metamere is usually technical / scientific in register.
Metamere: in British English it is pronounced /ˈmɛtəmɪə/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈmɛtəmɪr/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think 'META-meaning' and 'MERE-part': a *metamere* is a repeated *part* (mere) of the body's overall (meta) plan.
Conceptual Metaphor
BODY IS A TRAIN OF CARRIAGES (each carriage is a metamere).
Practice
Quiz
In which field is the term 'metamere' primarily used?