meristic

[ muh-ris-tik ]

adjective

, Biology.

1. of, relating to, or divided into segments or somites.

meristic

/ məˈrɪstɪk /

adjective

1. of or relating to the number of organs or parts in an animal or plant body

   meristic variation

2. segmented

   meristic worms

Word History and Origins

Origin of meristic¹

First recorded in 1890–95, meristic is from the Greek word meristikós of division. See meristem, -ic

Example Sentences

Moreover, we have no reason for supposing that the division of the chromatin in amitosis is not as meristic, and its subsequent distribution as equal, as is so visibly the case in mitosis.32 It is necessary, therefore, to seek for some other explanation of the elaborate mechanism of mitosis than that which assumes it necessary for the equal distribution of the divided chromatin granules.

From Project Gutenberg

Variations in the number of vertebrae and other meristic characters of fishes correlated with the temperature of water during development.

From Project Gutenberg

Experimental study of meristic characters in fishes.

From Project Gutenberg

Meristic law, or that of tenure of property, first determines what every individual possesses by right, and secures it to him; and what he possesses by wrong, and deprives him of it.

From Project Gutenberg

Meristic law is that of balance and distribution: it defines what is and is not to be possessed.

From Project Gutenberg