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Glite Dictionary
urochord

urochord

9.9
A stiff rod inside the tail of young sea animals like tunicates
  • noun
  • /ˈjʊroʊˌkɔrd/
  • Specialized
: urocorde
  • Under the microscope, the urochord appears as a prominent structure running through the larva's tail.

Examples

  • The urochord is a key feature distinguishing the larvae of tunicates from adult forms.

  • Scientists study the urochord to better understand the development of chordate animals.

  • A urochord is essential for larval tunicates.

  • The urochord aids in swimming.

  • Researchers observe the urochord in larval tunicates to learn about chordate evolution.

  • The urochord is a significant anatomical feature that allows larval tunicates to navigate through the water.

  • In larval stages, the urochord serves as a flexible rod supporting the body during development.

Synonyms

notochord
vsurochord
  • Specialized
1 9.9

A flexible rod in a young animal before it is born or hatched that supports its body

is the specific form located in the tail of larval tunicates

Surface Forms

urochord singular
urochords plural

Morphology

urochord = chord (opaque) = uro + chord

The combining form 'uro-' (meaning 'tail' in scientific terms) is technical and unfamiliar to average learners, and 'chord' is more likely known in the musical sense, so the relation is not clear to learners.

Etymology

Urochord comes from Greek parts uro- meaning 'tail' and chord meaning 'string' or 'rope', like the English word cord. So it literally says 'tail rope', which helps you remember that an urochord is the long, stiff support running through the tail of certain young sea animals.