Cremasteric

/ˌkremæsˈtɛrɪk/ adjective

Definition

An alternative adjectival form relating to the cremaster and its functions in insect development.

Etymology

From cremaster with the variant suffix -eric instead of -ial, both valid in scientific terminology. Shows how scientific English allows multiple suffixes for the same root.

Kelly Says

Medical and scientific English tolerates multiple adjectival forms from the same root—cremasteric and cremasterial both exist because different specialties developed their terminology independently, and both stuck around.

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