metamerism

[ muh-tam-uh-riz-uhm ]

noun

1. Zoology.
   1. division into metameres, the developmental process of somite formation.
   2. existence in a metameric state.
2. Chemistry. isomerism resulting from the attachment of different groups to the same atom, as C 2 H 5 NHC 2 H 5 and CH 3 NHC 3 H 7 .

metamerism

/ mɪˈtæməˌrɪzəm /

noun

1. Also calledmetameric segmentationsegmentation the division of an animal into similar segments (metameres). In many vertebrates it is confined to the embryonic nervous and muscular systems
2. chem a type of isomerism in which molecular structures differ by the attachment of different groups to the same atom, as in CH 3 OC 3 H 7 and C 2 H 5 OC 2 H 5

Word History and Origins

Origin of metamerism¹

1840–50; metamerism ( indef 1 ) metamere + -ism; metamerism ( indef 2 ) meta- + (iso)merism

Example Sentences

The internal organs are largely repeated metamerically, in correspondence with the external metamerism.

From Project Gutenberg

In the articulates the metamerism is chiefly external—an articulation of the body wall.

From Project Gutenberg

The only other example which we have of this metamerism in the Mollusca is presented by the Chitons.

From Project Gutenberg

In Chiton the renal organs are not affected by the metamerism as they are in Nautilus.

From Project Gutenberg

In accordance with the metamerism of Nautilus already noticed, there are two pairs of renal organs.

From Project Gutenberg