metamere

noun

meta·​mere ˈme-tə-ˌmir How to pronounce metamere (audio)
: any of a linear series of primitively similar segments into which the body of a higher invertebrate or vertebrate is divisible

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary

First Known Use

1876, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of metamere was in 1876

Dictionary Entries Near metamere

Cite this Entry

“Metamere.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/metamere. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Medical Definition

metamere

noun
meta·​mere ˈmet-ə-ˌmi(ə)r How to pronounce metamere (audio)
: any of a linear series of primitively similar segments into which the body of a higher invertebrate or vertebrate is divisible and which are usually clearly distinguishable in the embryo, identifiable in somewhat modified form in various invertebrates (as annelid worms), and detectable in the adult higher vertebrate only in specialized segmentally arranged structures (as cranial and spinal nerves or vertebrae) : somite
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