How Do You Spell MULTARTICULATE?

1. Multarticulate is an adjective that describes an organism, structure, or body part that consists of multiple separate segments or divisions. The term is commonly used in biology and anatomy to describe organisms or structures characterized by numerous individual parts that are interconnected or move independently.

   In the context of animals, multarticulate species typically possess a body composed of several articulated segments or divisions. This structural arrangement allows for greater flexibility, mobility, and adaptability in movement. Examples of multarticulate animals include various types of arthropods such as insects, crustaceans, and millipedes. These animals exhibit a segmented body plan with multiple joints or articulations between each segment, enabling them to flex, extend, and move in a variety of ways.

   Similarly, in botany, multarticulate often refers to plants that have compound leaves or inflorescences composed of several articulations or individual units. These segmented structures allow for increased surface area, effective capturing of sunlight, and improved reproductive success through enhanced pollination and seed dispersal.

   Overall, multarticulate describes the characteristics of organisms, structures, or body parts that are comprised of multiple distinct segments or divisions, each capable of independent movement or function. Its significance lies in the enhanced flexibility, mobility, and adaptability conferred by such a structural arrangement.

2. A term applied to the antennae of insects, and to the legs of crustaceans, &c., when composed of a great many joints; many-jointed.

   Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Common Misspellings for MULTARTICULATE

The word "multarticulate" combines two roots: "multi-" and "articulate".

The prefix "multi-" is derived from the Latin word "multus", meaning "many" or "much". It is commonly used in English to denote multiple or many elements.

The root "articulate" comes from the Latin word "articulatus", the past participle of "articulare", meaning "to divide into joints or separate parts". In its original sense, it referred to the joints in the human body. Over time, it developed a broader meaning of having multiple parts or segments.

Therefore, "multarticulate" as a compound word suggests something having many parts or segments, often used in biological or zoological contexts to refer to organisms or structures with numerous segments or divisions.