Most of us like to read about our fast receding flora and fauna and a lot is being said and written about it these days. But we come across many commonly used words, not just in books and journals but also over radio and television, that we don't always understand. Here's a list of terms that are frequently used,in write ups and speech:Albino -- A person or animal with a deficiency in the natural skin pigment.
Alkaloid -- Any of a group of naturally occurring, nitrogen-containing compound usually of plant origin.
Ambergris -- A concretion from the intestinal tract of the sperm whale found floating in tropical waters, Used in perfumery for the fixing of odours.
Amorphous -- Lacking definite form or shape, for example any powder.
Analogous -- Corresponding to or resembling another structure in function but differing in fundamental structure. The wing of an insect, for example, is analogous to the wing of a bat.Apodal -- No feet or legs.
Atrophy-- The reduction in size of an organ or structure, resulting from lack of nourishment or reduced functional activity.
Benthos -- Bottom of sea.
Bifid -- Forked. Divided into two parts by a median cleft, like a snake's tongue.
Bill -- The toothless jaws of a bird. The beak.
Copyright © 1998 Indian Express Newspapers (Bombay) Ltd.
