‖ meris Biol.
(ˈmɛrɪs)
Pl. merides (ˈmɛrɪdiːz).
[mod.L., a. Gr. µερίς part (stem µεριδ-); after F. méride (Perrier).]
A permanent colony of cells which may either remain isolated or multiply by germination to form demes.
| [1883 P. Geddes in Encycl. Brit. XVI. 842/2 Starting from the cell or plastid, he [Perrier] terms a permanent colony a méride. Ibid. 843/1 Tissues and organs result from division of labour in the anatomical elements of the mérides, and so have only a secondary individuality.] |