pronephros

noun pro·neph·ros \ (ˌ)prō-ˈne-frəs , -ˌfräs \

Definition of pronephros

: either member of the first and most anterior pair of the three successive paired vertebrate renal organs that functions in the adults of amphioxus and some lampreys, functions temporarily in larval fishes and amphibians, and is present but nonfunctional in embryos of reptiles, birds, and mammals — compare mesonephros, metanephros

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pronephric

play \(ˌ)prō-ˈne-frik\ adjective

Origin and Etymology of pronephros

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

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1877

in the meaning defined above

See Words from the same year

Medical Dictionary

pronephros

noun pro·neph·ros \ (ˈ)prō-ˈnef-rəs, -ˌräs \

medical Definition of pronephros

plural pronephroi play \-ˌrȯi\

: either member of the first and most anterior pair of the three paired vertebrate renal organs that functions in the adults of amphioxus and some lampreys, functions temporarily in larval fishes and amphibians, and is present but nonfunctional in embryos of reptiles, birds, and mammals — compare mesonephros, metanephros