CYCLOSTOMOUS Meaning and
Definition
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Cyclostomous is an adjective that refers to an organism or a group of organisms characterized by having a circular mouth or a mouth shaped like a circular opening. The term primarily applies to certain species of fish, commonly known as cyclostomes.
Cyclostomes belong to the class Cyclostomata, which includes jawless fish such as lampreys and hagfish. These primitive vertebrates possess a unique feature known as a circular mouth, perfectly suited for their feeding habits. Unlike other fishes, cyclostomes lack jaws, and their mouths are instead lined with rows of sharp, bony teeth that help them attach to and suck the blood or body fluids of other aquatic animals.
The circular mouth of cyclostomes is formed by a muscular structure known as the oral disk. This disk is surrounded by rasping teeth, allowing cyclostomes to latch onto their prey and effectively obtain nourishment. The mouth's circular shape enhances their feeding ability and provides a specialized adaptation for their parasitic or scavenging lifestyle.
Cyclostomous can also refer to any organism or structure that has a similar circular or round-shaped mouth or opening. This broader definition may encompass a range of organisms beyond cyclostomes, including invertebrates or even certain plant structures.
In summary, the term "cyclostomous" describes organisms, primarily certain species of jawless fish, that possess a circular or round-shaped mouth characterized by the absence of jaws. This adaptation enables them to feed in specific ways, such as being parasitic or scavenging.
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Having a circular mouth or aperture for sucking, among certain fishes, as the lamprey.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for CYCLOSTOMOUS
- cyclostomes
- xyclostomous
- vyclostomous
- fyclostomous
- dyclostomous
- ctclostomous
- cgclostomous
- chclostomous
- cuclostomous
- c7clostomous
- c6clostomous
- cyxlostomous
- cyvlostomous
- cyflostomous
- cydlostomous
- cyckostomous
- cycpostomous
- cycoostomous
- cyclistomous
- cyclkstomous
Etymology of CYCLOSTOMOUS
The word Cyclostomous is derived from the combination of two ancient Greek roots: cyclo meaning circle or ring and stoma meaning mouth.
The term is commonly used in biology and refers to a group of jawless fish known as cyclostomes or cyclostomata, which includes species like lampreys and hagfish. These animals are characterized by their circular, suction-like mouth structures used for feeding. The suffix -ous is added to cyclostom to form the adjective cyclostomous, meaning having a cyclostomous mouth or resembling or relating to cyclostomes.
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