Metamere
(Met"a*mere) n. [Pref. meta- + -mere.] (Biol.) One of successive or homodynamous parts
in animals and plants; one of a series of similar parts that follow one another in a vertebrate or articulate
animal, as in an earthworm; a segment; a somite. See Illust. of Loeven's larva.
Metameric
(Met`a*mer"ic) a. [Pref. meta- + Gr. part.]
1. (Chem.) Having the same elements united in the same proportion by weight, and with the same
molecular weight, but possessing a different structure and different properties; as, methyl ether and ethyl
alcohol are metameric compounds. See Isomeric.
The existence of metameric compounds is due to the different arrangement of the same constituents in
the molecule.
2. (Biol.) Of or pertaining to a metamere or its formation; as, metameric segmentation.
Metamerically
(Met`a*mer"ic*al*ly), adv. In a metameric manner.
Metamerism
(Me*tam"er*ism) n.
1. (Biol.) The symmetry of a metameric structure; serial symmetry; the state of being made up of metameres.
2. (Chem.) The state or quality of being metameric; also, the relation or condition of metameric compounds.
Metamorphic
(Met`a*mor"phic) a. [See Metamorphosis.]
1. Subject to change; changeable; variable.
2. Causing a change of structure.
3. (Geol.) Pertaining to, produced by, or exhibiting, certain changes which minerals or rocks may have
undergone since their original deposition; — especially applied to the recrystallization which sedimentary
rocks have undergone through the influence of heat and pressure, after which they are called metamorphic
rocks.
Metamorphism
(Met`a*mor"phism) n. (Geol.) The state or quality of being metamorphic; the process
by which the material of rock masses has been more or less recrystallized by heat, pressure, etc., as in
the change of sedimentary limestone to marble. Murchison.
