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Glite Dictionary
xanthophore

xanthophore

9.9
A skin cell that makes yellow color in some fish and frogs
  • noun
  • /ˈzænθəˌfɔr/
  • Specialized
: xantóforo
  • In some fish, xanthophores are responsible for the bright yellow stripes along their bodies.

Examples

  • Some amphibians have xanthophores that change color with the environment.

  • Scientists study xanthophores to understand how animals develop their unique color patterns.

  • The yellow spots on the frog's skin are created by specialized xanthophores.

  • The xanthophore gives the fish its vibrant yellow color.

  • The yellow spots on the frog's skin are created by specialized xanthophores.

  • In some fish, xanthophores are responsible for the bright yellow stripes along their bodies.

  • Scientists study xanthophores to understand how animals develop their unique color patterns.

Surface Forms

xanthophore singular
xanthophores plural

Morphology

xanthophore = xantho + phore (opaque) = xantho + phore

Formed from technical Greek combining forms that are not independent English words, so learners cannot reliably infer the meaning from parts alone.

Etymology

Xanthophore comes from Greek parts xantho- 'yellow' and -phore 'bearer' or 'carrier'. So a xanthophore is a tiny cell that 'carries' yellow pigment in the skin of animals like fish and frogs.