somite

noun

so·​mite ˈsō-ˌmīt How to pronounce somite (audio)
: one of the longitudinal series of segments into which the body of many animals is divided : metamere

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary, from Greek sōma body

First Known Use

1869, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of somite was in 1869

Dictionary Entries Near somite

Cite this Entry

“Somite.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/somite. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

Medical Definition

somite

noun
so·​mite ˈsō-ˌmīt How to pronounce somite (audio)
: one of the longitudinal series of segments into which the body of many animals (as articulate animals and vertebrates) is divided : metamere
somitic adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on somite

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!