metanephros

meta·neph·ros

noun \-ˈne-frəs, -ˌfräs\

plural meta·neph·roi\-ˌfrȯi\

Definition of METANEPHROS

: either member of the final and most caudal pair of the three successive pairs of vertebrate renal organs that functions as a permanent adult kidney in reptiles, birds, and mammals but is not present at all in lower forms — compare mesonephros, pronephros

— meta·neph·ric \-frik\ adjective

Origin of METANEPHROS

New Latin, from meta- + Greek nephros kidney — more at nephritis

First Known Use: 1884