How Do You Spell DICYEMA?

Pronunciation: [dˈɪsɪəmə] (IPA)

Dicyema is a word that is often misspelled due to its unusual combination of consonants and vowels. According to the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA), the word is pronounced as /daɪˈsiːmə/. The "d" is pronounced as /d/, followed by the long "i" sound indicated by /aɪ/, and then the "s" is pronounced as /s/. The following "i" is again pronounced as /i/ and the "e" as /iː/. Finally, the "m" is pronounced as /m/ and an unstressed "a" is added at the end, indicated by /ə/. Remembering the IPA transcription will help to spell Dicyema correctly.

Meaning and Definition
Common Misspellings
Etymology
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DICYEMA Meaning and Definition

  1. Dicyema, also known as the dicyemid, is a highly diverse and peculiar group of microscopic marine organisms that belong to the phylum Dicyemida. These multicellular parasites are typically found in the renal sacs of various cephalopod mollusks, although they can also inhabit the renal tubules or other parts of the host's body.

    The name "Dicyema" is derived from the Greek words "di" and "kyem" meaning "two" and "fluids" respectively, referring to their unique anatomical structure consisting of just two cell layers surrounding a fluid-filled space called the axial cell. These organisms lack organs, body cavities, and digestive systems, obtaining their nutrients and oxygen from their host's excretory system.

    Dicyema organisms possess a distinctive life cycle with alternating asexual and sexual stages. The asexual phase involves the formation of tiny, filamentous infusoriform larvae within the axial cell. These larvae then swim freely in the host's body to continue their development into a vermiform stage, which reproduces asexually by budding off new infusoriform larvae.

    Despite their simple morphology and parasitic lifestyle, Dicyema species have intrigued scientists due to their unique cellular organization and complex life history. Their evolutionary relationships and place within the animal kingdom are not yet fully understood. Furthermore, their impact on their host's physiology is still being investigated, as some dicyemids have been discovered to cause pathological changes in cephalopods, while others appear to have no significant impact.

Common Misspellings for DICYEMA

Etymology of DICYEMA

The word "Dicyema" has its etymology rooted in Greek. It is derived from the combination of two Greek words – "dis", meaning "two", and "kyēma", meaning "thread" or "hair". This nomenclature refers to the unique appearance of Dicyema, a genus of parasitic organisms found in the kidneys of cephalopods (squids, octopuses, etc.). The name Dicyema alludes to the long, hair-like threads or filaments that characterize these parasites.