TEL-uh-meer
/ˈtɛləmiɹ/
Telomere is pronounced TEL-uh-meer (/ˈtɛləmiɹ/). Telomere is a region at the end of a chromosome that protects the genetic data during cell division, acting like a cap to prevent deterioration. In biology, telomeres shorten with each replication, influencing aging and cellular health. The term is used across genetics, molecular biology, and biomedical research contexts.
nounTelomere is a region at the end of a chromosome that protects the genetic data during cell division, acting like a cap to prevent deterioration. In biology, telomeres shorten with each replication, influencing aging and cellular health. The term is used across genetics, molecular biology, and biomedical research contexts.
How to Pronounce Telomere
"Researchers measured telomere length to study aging in human cells."
"Telomere maintenance is crucial for chromosomal stability during replication."
"Mutations affecting telomere function can lead to premature cellular senescence."
Telomere is pronounced as TEH-loh-mear in US and UK variants, with primary stress on the first syllable. IPA: US ˈtɛloʊˌmɪər, UK ˈtɛləˌmɪə. The second syllable reduces, and the final vowel glides toward a calm schwa-like quality or a light /ɪə/ depending on region. Focus on tying the first syllable to the second with a short consonant release, then a soft, elongated final vowel. You’ll hear it clearly in biology lectures.
Common errors: over-emphasizing the second syllable, producing a 'tel-oh-MEER' with strong final /iːr/ in American speech. Another mistake is swallowing the /l/ sound, producing a blurred start. Correction: keep the initial /t/ clean, stress the first syllable, and end with a light, rounded /mɪər/ or /mɪə/ depending on accent. Practice: TEH-loh-mear, with a crisp onset and a gentle, elongated final vowel.
US: /ˈtɛloʊˌmɪər/ with a rhotic, clear /r/ in the final syllable. UK: /ˈtɛləˌmɪə/ often non-rhotic, final /ə/ or /ɪə/ glide. AU: /ˈtɛləˌmɪə/ similar to UK but with a more telescoped vowel in rapid speech and slightly less pronounced final /r/; also tends toward a longer mid vowel in the second syllable. Vowel qualities may shift toward a pure /e/ or a diphthong depending on speaker.
The challenge is the combination of a clear initial stop /t/, a mid-centralized /e/ vowel in the second syllable, and the final diphthong or glide /ɪər/ or /ɪə/. The-tell is not as intuitive as simple two-syllable words, and regional variations shift the r-color or vowel length. You’ll need to practice the final syllable carefully, ensuring the tongue doesn’t collapse into a vowel-only ending.
There is no silent letter in telomere. The word carries primary stress on the first syllable, and the second syllable is lighter and shorter; the final vowel in many dialects is a glide rather than a full vowel. Mouth positioning: lead with a crisp /t/, relax for /ɛ/ or /eɪ/ depending on accent, then round the lips slightly for /mɪər/ or /mɪə/. IPA helps lock the exact articulation.
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US/UK/AU differences: • US tends to rhotically color the final syllable as /ˈtɛloʊˌmɪər/, with a prominent /r/ sound in the ending. • UK often leans toward /ˈtɛləˌmɪə/, with a non-rhotic ending and a lighter second syllable. • AU mirrors UK patterns but can reduce the final diphthong slightly in everyday speech; you may hear a smoother glide to /ɪə/. Vowel treatment: the first /e/ in US is closer to /ɛ/; in UK/AU you may hear a higher back vowel in the second syllable. IPA anchors: US ˈtɛloʊˌmɪər, UK ˈtɛləˌmɪə, AU ˈtɛləˌmɪə.
Telomere derives from the Greek telo- meaning end and meros meaning part or segment. The term was coined in the 1970s during early studies of chromosome ends and their protective function in cell division. The concept emerged as scientists observed that linear chromosomes require repetitive, non-coding sequences at their ends to prevent deterioration and fusion with other chromosomes. Over time, telomeres were found to be maintained by the enzyme telomerase, and refined in the 1980s and 1990s as molecular biology advanced. First known uses appear in foundational genetics literature when researchers described chromosome end protection and replication challenges. The word’s morphology mirrors other biological terms like telopodite and telomere-like suffixes, situating it within a family of terms that denote terminal features in biology.
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💡 These words have similar meanings to "Telomere" and can often be used interchangeably.
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Words that rhyme with "Telomere"
-ear sounds
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