anisostomous
|a-ni-so-sto-mous|
🇺🇸
/ˌænɪsəˈstoʊməs/
🇬🇧
/ˌænɪsəˈstəʊməs/
unequal opening
Etymology
'anisostomous' originates from Greek elements, specifically 'aniso-' (from Greek 'anisos') meaning 'unequal' and 'stoma' (στόμα) meaning 'mouth' or 'opening'.
'anisostomous' entered scientific usage via New Latin/Neo-Latin formation (e.g. 'anisostomus'/'anisostoma') and was adopted into English technical vocabulary with the adjectival suffix '-ous'.
Initially formed to mean 'unequal-mouthed' or 'having unequal openings', its meaning has remained specialized but stable in scientific contexts, particularly in botany and bryology.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Adjective 1
having unequal mouths or openings; not isostomous — applied generally to structures with unequal apertures.
The pitcher had an anisostomous opening that allowed only small insects to enter.
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Adjective 2
(Technical, especially in bryology) Having peristome teeth or similar structures of unequal length, size, or arrangement.
The moss capsule was described as anisostomous because its peristome teeth varied in length.
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Last updated: 2025/08/13 20:07