metanephros

noun

meta·​neph·​ros ˌme-tə-ˈne-frəs How to pronounce metanephros (audio)
-ˌfräs
plural metanephroi ˌme-tə-ˈne-ˌfrȯi How to pronounce metanephros (audio)
: 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
metanephric adjective

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

1877, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of metanephros was in 1877

Dictionary Entries Near metanephros

Cite this Entry

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

Medical Definition

metanephros

noun
meta·​neph·​ros -ˈnef-rəs, -ˌräs How to pronounce metanephros (audio)
plural metanephroi -ˌrȯi How to pronounce metanephros (audio)
: 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

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