epizoochory
|ep-i-zoo-cho-ry|
🇺🇸
/ˌɛpɪzuːˈkoʊri/
🇬🇧
/ˌɛpɪzuːˈkɔːri/
seed dispersal on animals
Etymology
'epizoochory' originates from Greek roots via Neo-Latin formation: from Greek 'epi-' meaning 'upon', Greek 'zoon' meaning 'animal', and Greek 'khorein/choros' (through suffix -chory) meaning 'to spread' or 'to move'.
'epizoochory' was formed in scientific/Neo-Latin usage by combining Greek elements (epi- + zoon + -chory) in modern botanical and ecological literature (19th–20th century), producing the English technical term 'epizoochory'.
Initially coined to describe the mechanism 'movement upon animals', the term has retained that specialized biological meaning and is still used to denote external animal-mediated dispersal of seeds and other propagules.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
seed dispersal that occurs when seeds, fruits, or other propagules are carried on the outside of animals (e.g., attached to fur, feathers, or skin).
Many plants rely on epizoochory to disperse their seeds when burrs or sticky fruits attach to animals' fur.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/10/14 23:32