TEL-uh-meerz
/ˈtɛləmiɹz/
Telomeres is pronounced TEL-uh-meerz (/ˈtɛləmiɹz/). Telomeres are repetitive DNA sequences at chromosome ends that protect genetic data during cell division. They shorten with each replication, acting as a cellular clock linked to aging and disease. In biology, telomeres maintain genomic stability, influencing cellular lifespan and genomic integrity across generations of cells.
nounTelomeres are repetitive DNA sequences at chromosome ends that protect genetic data during cell division. They shorten with each replication, acting as a cellular clock linked to aging and disease. In biology, telomeres maintain genomic stability, influencing cellular lifespan and genomic integrity across generations of cells.
"Researchers studied telomeres to understand aging mechanisms."
"Telomere length can be influenced by stress and lifestyle factors."
"During replication, telomeres erode, eventually triggering cell senescence."
Pronounce as /ˌtɛloʊˈmɪɚz/ (US) or /ˌtɛləˈmɪəz/ (UK) depending on accent. The primary stress lands on the second syllable: te-LO-me-res. Start with a clear 'teh' followed by a light 'loh' or 'lo' and end with a crisp 'merz' or 'mearz'. The 'mel' portion centers on /lo/ + /mɪ/ combining into /mɪər/ in many US pronunciations. Ensure the final 'es' is voiced as /z/.
Two frequent errors: (1) stressing the first or last syllable instead of the middle, leading to TE-lo-me-res or tel-O-meres; (2) mispronouncing the middle vowel as a long 'a' or 'ee' rather than a schwa-like or reduced vowel. Correct by practicing the sequence TE-LO-MERES with secondary stress on LO and rolling the 'meres' as /mɪərz/ or /mɪrz/ depending on accent. Use IPA cues: /ˌtɛl.oʊˈmɪərz/ vs /ˌtɛl.ɒˈmɪərz/; align to your dialect for final s voicing.
In US English you often hear /ˌtɛloʊˈmɪərz/ with a close mid vowel in the first two syllables and rhoticity affecting the 'r' in -merz. UK speakers may use /ˌtɛləˈmɪəs/ or /ˌtɛlɒˈmiːz/ with a shorter /ɒ/ or /ɪə/ in the second syllable and less rhotic emphasis. Australian English tends toward /ˌtɛləˈmɪəz/ with a clearer second vowel and a non-rolled /r/ depending on speaker. The final -es is typically voiced /z/ in all varieties.
Because it involves multiple syllables with shifting vowel qualities and a rare sequence -e-m-e- that creates a tricky split between te-LO-me-res. The second syllable often carries the main stress, and the ending -eres or -eɪz blends differently across dialects. The 'lo' diphthong and the ending /mɪərz/ or /mɪz/ require precise articulation to avoid blending into ‘tel-uh-mare’ or ‘te-luh-merz’. Practicing with IPA and tracing the mouth positions helps stabilize the sound.
Note whether you say tel-o-meres or tele-o-meres. The emphasis is typically on -meres, and the middle vowel often leans toward a short /ɪ/ or a schwa depending on the speaker. The 'lo' segment can carry a rounded vowel that slightly lengthens before the 'mers'. For precision, anchor to /ˌtɛloʊˈmɪərz/ (US) and practice the transition from /oʊ/ to /mɪər/ smoothly.
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Telomere derives from Greek tele- meaning ‘end’ or ‘completion’ and -mere from the Greek word for part or part-tap? The term was coined in the 1930s–1960s during early chromosome biology to describe the protective end segments of linear chromosomes. The notion of telomeres as repetitive, protective sequences emerged with the discovery of specific repeat motifs (TTAGGG in vertebrates) and the realization these regions cap chromosome ends, preventing degradation and end-to-end fusions. The concept matured through the late 20th century as researchers clarified their role in replication, aging, and cancer biology. First known usage appeared in the scientific literature as researchers sought to define terminal chromosomal structures and their protective functions; the modern understanding ties telomere length to cellular aging and disease risk. Modern discussions emphasize telomerase activity, telomere shortening, and the dynamic maintenance of these caps, shaping contemporary biogerontology and cancer research literature.
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Words that rhyme with "Telomeres"
-me) sounds
-ore sounds
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