micromere: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2+ / RareHighly Technical, Scientific
Quick answer
What does “micromere” mean?
A very small cell produced by unequal cleavage in early embryonic development, specifically in some invertebrate and lower vertebrate embryos.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A very small cell produced by unequal cleavage in early embryonic development, specifically in some invertebrate and lower vertebrate embryos.
In embryology, one of the smaller blastomeres at the animal pole, resulting from unequal division, which typically gives rise to specific embryonic structures (e.g., ectoderm). The term may also be used metaphorically in other fields to denote a very small unit or component.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant variation in meaning or usage. Spelling is identical. The term is used exclusively in technical literature.
Connotations
None beyond its precise scientific denotation.
Frequency
Extremely rare in both varieties, appearing only in highly specialised texts. No corpus frequency difference.
Grammar
How to Use “micromere” in a Sentence
The [embryo] formed several micromeres.Micromeres are derived from the [animal pole].The division produced macromeres and micromeres.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “micromere” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The micromere lineage was fluorescently labelled.
- Micromere fate determination is a key process.
American English
- The micromere lineage was fluorescently labeled.
- Micromere fate specification is a key process.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not applicable.
Academic
Used in developmental biology, embryology, and zoology research papers and textbooks. Example: 'The fate of the first quartet micromeres was mapped using lineage tracing.'
Everyday
Never used.
Technical
Core term in specific technical descriptions of embryogenesis, particularly in studies of spiralian cleavage (e.g., in molluscs, annelids).
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “micromere”
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “micromere”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “micromere”
- Misspelling as 'micrometer' (a measuring device).
- Using it as a general term for any small thing.
- Incorrect plural: 'micromeres' is standard.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is an extremely rare, specialised scientific term unknown to the general public.
No, it is exclusively a noun (and can function attributively as an adjective, e.g., 'micromere cell').
The direct antonym is 'macromere,' which refers to the larger cells produced in the same unequal division.
They are a classic feature studied in embryos exhibiting spiral cleavage, such as those of annelids, molluscs, and some flatworms.
A very small cell produced by unequal cleavage in early embryonic development, specifically in some invertebrate and lower vertebrate embryos.
Micromere is usually highly technical, scientific in register.
Micromere: in British English it is pronounced /ˈmaɪkrə(ʊ)mɪə/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈmaɪkroʊˌmɪr/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think 'MICRO' (very small) + 'MERE' (part or portion) = a very small part of the dividing embryo.
Conceptual Metaphor
SEGREGATION OF FATE (the idea that smaller, specifically located units are set aside for a distinct developmental destiny).
Practice
Quiz
A 'micromere' is most specifically associated with which field of study?