pro·neph·ros (pr -n f r s, -r s )n. pl. pro·neph·roi (-roi) or pro·neph·ra (-r ) A kidneylike organ, being either part of the most anterior pair of three pairs of organs in a vertebrate embryo, disappearing early in the embryonic development of higher vertebrates, but functioning as a kidney in some simple vertebrates, such as the lamprey. [pro- + Greek nephros, kidney.] pro·neph ric (-r k) adj. |
pronephros [prəʊˈnɛfrɒs]
n pl -roi [-rɔɪ], -ra [-rə]
(Life Sciences & Allied Applications / Zoology) the first-formed anterior part of the embryonic kidney in vertebrates, which remains functional in the larvae of the lower vertebrates See also mesonephros, metanephros
[New Latin, from pro-2 + Greek nephros kidney]
pronephric adj
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