Exam: GRE (Verbal)

Definition: A type of bacterial or yeast cell that has lost or has a weak cell wall, making it round in shape and more sensitive to changes in its environment.

Example: The researchers studied the spheroplasts to understand how they respond to different osmotic conditions.

Definition: A small, round structure made of crystals that often appears in certain types of volcanic rocks.

Example: The geologist examined the spherulite under a microscope to study its crystal structure.

Definition: Relating to or containing small, spherical structures often found in certain types of rocks or minerals.

Example: The geologist studied the spherulitic texture of the volcanic rock.

Definition: A circular muscle that controls the opening and closing of a passage in the body.

Example: The sphincter at the end of the digestive tract helps control bowel movements.

Definition: Relating to or resembling a sphincter, which is a muscle that constricts or closes an opening in the body.

Example: The sphincteric muscles help control the flow of urine from the bladder.

Definition: A type of amino alcohol that is found in nerve tissue and cell membranes, important for the structure of certain lipids.

Example: Sphingosine plays a crucial role in the formation of protective membranes around nerve cells.

Definition: Having a mysterious or enigmatic quality, often suggesting a hidden meaning or intention.

Example: Her sphinxlike expression made it difficult to know what she was really thinking.

Definition: Relating to the pulse or the measurement of the pulse in the body.

Example: The doctor took the sphygmic readings to assess the patient's heart rate.

Definition: A device used to create a visual record of the pulse's strength and changes over time.

Example: The doctor used a sphygmograph to monitor the patient's heart rate during the examination.

Definition: Relating to or made of small, pointed structures called spicules.

Example: The spicular structure of the coral provides it with strength and stability.