Caryophanon

noun

Car·​y·​oph·​a·​non
ˌkarēˈäfəˌnän
: a genus (coextensive with the family Caryophanaceae) of large filamentous or bacillary bacteria of oral mucous membranes and the alimentary tract of various mammals that are closely related to the chlamydobacteria though usually placed in a separate order and are distinguished by well-defined nuclei comparable to isolated chromosomes, peritrichous or no flagella, and absence of spores

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from cary- + Greek phanon, neuter of phanos bright, from phaos light

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Cite this Entry

“Caryophanon.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Caryophanon. Accessed 25 Apr. 2024.

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