multicellularity
Syllables
mul-ti-cel-lu-lar-i-ty
Pronunciation
/ˌmʌltɪˈsɛljʊˌlærɪti/
Stress
0001001
Morphemes
multi- + cell + -ular
Multicellularity is a noun of Latin origin, meaning the state of being composed of many cells. It is syllabified as mul-ti-cel-lu-lar-i-ty, with primary stress on the fourth syllable. The word's structure reflects its morphemic components: multi- (many), cell (unit of life), -ular (relating to), and -ity (state of). Its syllable division follows standard US English rules, prioritizing onset-rime division and vowel reduction.
Definitions
- 1
The state or quality of being composed of many cells.
“The evolution of multicellularity was a major event in the history of life.”
“Multicellularity allows for specialization of cells and tissues.”
syn:pluricellularityant:unicellularity
Stress pattern
Primary stress falls on the fourth syllable ('lar'). The first, fifth, and seventh syllables are unstressed.
Syllables
mul — Open syllable, initial consonant cluster.. ti — Closed syllable, short vowel.. cel — Closed syllable, short vowel.. lu — Closed syllable, short vowel.. lar — Open syllable, vowel followed by 'r'. i — Unstressed syllable, schwa reduction.. ty — Closed syllable, short vowel.
Word Parts
Similar Words
Onset-Rime Division
Dividing syllables based on the consonant onset and vowel-containing rime.
Consonant Cluster Simplification
Breaking up consonant clusters to create permissible syllable structures.
Vowel Reduction
Unstressed vowels are often reduced to schwas or other neutral vowels.
Syllable Weight
Syllables with heavier constituents tend to attract stress.
- The word's length and complex morphology make it prone to variations in pronunciation and syllabification.
- Regional accents can influence the precise phonetic realization.
- Potential for schwa reduction in 'cellular'.
Nearby Words
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