How Do You Spell DIDELPHOUS?

Pronunciation: [dˈa͡ɪdlfəs] (IPA)

Didelphous is a word that refers to the reproductive system of marsupials. The correct spelling of the word is [dahy-del-fuh s]. The first syllable is pronounced with a long "i" as in "eye," the second syllable is stressed, and the final syllable is pronounced with a soft "s" sound. The "ph" in "didelphous" is pronounced like an "f." This word comes from the Greek word "didelphys," which means "double-wombed," referring to the marsupial reproductive structure.

DIDELPHOUS Meaning and Definition

1. Didelphous is an adjective used to describe a botanical feature or characteristic that pertains to plants possessing two distinct parts or divisions. The term is derived from the Greek words "di," meaning two, and "delphus," meaning womb. In the context of botany, it specifically refers to the structure of certain flowers.

   Plants that exhibit didelphous features typically have flowers that possess two separate sections or chambers. These chambers can vary in size, shape, or other physical attributes. Each chamber typically contains its own set of reproductive organs, including stamens and pistils. The presence of these two distinct chambers allows for separate maturation and functionality of these reproductive parts.

   The didelphous characteristic can be observed in various plant families, including the Orchidaceae and Gentianaceae. In orchids, for example, the didelphous columns have two separate structures, anther cap and sticky gland, which function together to aid in the pollination process. This unique structure plays a vital role in facilitating the deposit and transfer of pollen to ensure successful fertilization.

   Understanding the didelphous nature of a plant's flowers can provide valuable insights into its reproductive strategies and evolutionary adaptations. This botanical term helps classify and describe the complex floral structures found within the plant kingdom.

Common Misspellings for DIDELPHOUS

• sidelphous
• xidelphous
• cidelphous
• fidelphous
• ridelphous
• eidelphous
• dudelphous
• djdelphous
• dkdelphous
• dodelphous
• d9delphous
• d8delphous
• diselphous
• dixelphous
• dicelphous
• difelphous
• direlphous
• dieelphous
• didwlphous

Etymology of DIDELPHOUS

The word "Didelphous" is derived from the Greek word "dídelphos" (δίδελφος), which itself is a combination of "di-" meaning "two" and "delphus" meaning "womb".

The term "Didelphous" is used in biology to describe a particular reproductive characteristic found in some organisms, particularly in certain species of marsupials. It refers to the condition where the female possesses two separate uteri or reproductive tracts. This term was coined based on the observation of the marsupials' reproductive anatomy, leading to the use of the Greek root words to describe this phenomenon.