pronephros

[ proh-nef-ros, -ruhs ]

noun

, Embryology.

, plural pro·neph·roi [proh-, nef, -roi], pro·neph·ra [proh-, nef, -r, uh].

1. one of the three embryonic excretory organs of vertebrates, which becomes the functional kidney of certain primitive fishes.

pronephros

/ prəʊˈnɛfrɒs /

noun

1. See metanephros, mesonephros
   the first-formed anterior part of the embryonic kidney in vertebrates, which remains functional in the larvae of the lower vertebrates See also mesonephros metanephros

Derived Forms

• proˈnephric, adjective

Other Words From

• pro·neph·ric [proh-, nef, -rik], adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of pronephros¹

1875–80; < New Latin < Greek pro- pro- ² + nephrós kidney

Word History and Origins

Origin of pronephros¹

C19: New Latin, from pro- ² + Greek nephros kidney

Example Sentences

The head and even the region of the pronephros are clearly separate from the yolk-sac; the mouth is coming to be formed.

From Project Gutenberg

The great distinction of the pronephros is that it, and it alone, forms the segmental duct.

From Project Gutenberg

It is clear from the above description that there is no trace of head-kidney or pronephros visible in the adult.

From Project Gutenberg

The pronephros is placed, as can be made out in later stages, on the level of the opening of the air-bladder into the throat.

From Project Gutenberg

It may be noted that in Lepidosteus the whole pronephros has exactly the character of a single segmental tube of the mesonephros.

From Project Gutenberg