Meristic
/məˈrɪstɪk/noun
Relating to counting or measuring repeated anatomical structures, especially in biology.
Did you know?In biology, meristic traits—such as fin rays, scales, or vertebrae—are counted rather than continuously measured, helping scientists compare related organisms.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*mer-
“To divide, apportion, or distribute; a proposed ancestral root behind Greek words for parts and portions.”
Ancient Greek
Greek
μέρος (meros)
“A part, portion, or share.”
Ancient Greek
Greek
μερίζειν (merizein)
“To divide into parts or distribute.”
Ancient Greek
Greek
μεριστός (meristos)
“Divided, partitioned, or consisting of parts.”
19th Century
New Latin
meristicus
“Relating to division into parts or to counting structural parts.”
19th Century
English
meristic
“Relating to the counting of repeated anatomical features, especially in zoology.”