Symphoricarpos 
obtusely toothed on young plants. The small white or red 
flowers are ii"ii axillarysptttMOf ianwmflBj 
and arc follow,, 1 In ll,--hy white or reil lii-llii-.-, i-iirli illi 
four cells but only two SCI', Is. In si'Velnl s|ircics tin- 
, ,ll:i U rruiiiikiilily lillril wiih ,'|HM- \\ hit,- h itis. For 
Ilir tlinr .-:!', Icril "Iltvi,--, SIT ,;,i-<ll (' rnt, /("" '"ATI/, and 
wnlfltrrrii ; tin- lil*t is ulso known ;ts Indian currant, and 
a >;ruenil mum 1 is st.'I'i'ter't-wort. 
symphoricarpous tsim i\>-n-kar'|>us), a. [< 
(Jr. nT//p/ir,T>ear loget her. + i,i//irr<;, fruit.] In 
Inil.. bearing several fruits clustered together. 
Symphyantnerous(*ini-li-an'ther-ns),a. [<Gr. 
orm.'iry , growing together ai-v, together, + 
fii'tatfai, grow), + NL. inilln ru, anther, + -*. ] 
In tint., same as Kyuuiitlirroun. 
symphycarpous (sim-li-kiir'pus), a. [< Gr. av/i- 
t\'i/r, growing together, + Ka/iirdf , fruit.] In bot., 
living the, fruit confluent, as tin ilisks of the 
apothecia in certain gymuocarpous lichens. 
Symphyla(sim'fi-lii), n.pl. [NL./Gr.o-r/ ' 
of the same stock, Coiv, together, + QiiAin 
a trilie: see iilii/linii.'] Aii order or suborder of 
insects, combining some characters which are 
now mostly manifested in widely distinct types. 
This group is represented by the Scolopendrellida, and 
forms in some respects a connecting-link between the 
classes of myriapods and hexapods. All the known spe- 
cies are small (less than 7 millimeters in length); they re- 
semble minute centipeds, and each abdominal segment 
bears a pair of legs; with the exception of these appen- 
dages, however, the structure resembles that of some thy- 
sanuroiis insects. The legs are live-joint,-, I, and end In a 
pair of claws. 
The reasonableness of placing the Symphyla (= Scolo- 
pendrella) of Kyder in t he Thysanura, with the Collembola 
and cinura as coordinate groups. 
S. a. Scudder, Mem. Acad. Nat Set, III. 90. 
symphyllous(sim-nTus),a. [< Gr. aiv, together, 
-f- ^r/Xov, a leaf , + -.] In bot., same taganto- 
plll/llotllt. 
symphylous (sim'fl-lus), a. [< Symphyta + 
-OWN.] Having characteristics of the Hymptiyla ; 
combining characters of myriapods with those 
of the true hexapods, or six-footed insects. 
symphynote (sim'fi-not), a. [< Gr. av/iipvi/c, 
growing together, + VUTOV, the back.] Soldered 
together at the back or hinge, as the valves of 
some unios, or having valves so soldered, as a 
unio : the opposite of asympln/note. 
In some of the species the valves become soldered 
together at the hinge, so that motion would be impossi- 
ble were It not for the fact that a fracture takes place 
near the line of junction, so that one valve bears two wings 
and the other none. This fact has been used by Dr. Lea 
to divide the numerous species of I nio into two groups, 
those with soldered hinge being called tymphynott, and 
those with the normal structure asymphynote forms. 
Stand. Nat. Hilt., I. 270, 
symphyogenesis (sim'fi-o-gen'e-sis), . [< Gr. 
ov/itjimaOar, grow together, + yiveotr, generation: 
see genesis.'] In bot., the forming by union of 
previously separate elements. 
symphyogenetic (sim'fi-o-je-net'ik), a. [< sym- 
phyogenetsis, after genetic.] In hot., formed by 
the union of previously separate elements. 
Ue Banj. 
symphyostemonous (sim'fl-o-stem'o-nus), a. 
[< Gr. avfi^veatlai, grow together, + ari/uuv. the 
warp in a loom (in mod. bot. a stamen).] In 
bot., having the stamens united; monadelphous. 
symphysal (sim'fl-zal), a. Same as 
phyxcal. 
symphyseal (sim-fiz'e-al), a. [< Gr. , r ... 
(see symphysis) + -at.] Of or pertaining to a 
symphysis ; entering into the formation of a 
symphysis: as, symphyscal union or connection; 
a ttymphyseal line or surface ; the sy mphyseal ends 
of bones; a symphyseal ligament. Symphyseal 
angle, in cranvm., the angle between the line in the me- 
dian plane of the skull tangent to the mental prominence 
and to the alveolar border of the lower jaw and the plane 
tangent to the anterior part of the lower border of the 
lower jaw. See cut under craniometry. 
symphyseotome (sim-fiz'e-6-tom), n. [< Gr. 
ai'/Hpuats, symphysis, + -TO//OC, < rtuveiv, rauetv, 
cut.] In sitrg., a knife used in section of the 
symphysis pubis. 
symphyseotomy (sim-fiz-e-ot'o-mi), n. [< Gr. 
aiifityvaif, symphysis, + -ropia, < re/ivetv, rape'iv, 
cut.] In snrij.. the operation of dividing the 
symphysis pnbis for the purpose of facilitating 
labor; the Sigaultian section or operation. 
symphysial, symphysian (sim-fiz'i-al, -an), a. 
Same as x?/ ntfJt itw'ttl. 
sym 
[= r\ fympkyse, < NL. symphysis, < Gr. ai'fti^vatf, a 
growing together, union, < ovfu^vciv, cause to grow 
together, mid. avuQieadai, grow together, < aiv, 
together, + cW'f<v,produce, grow.] 1. In anat. 
and :o(il. : (a) The union or connection of 
bones in the middle line of the body, either by 
confluence, by direct apposition, or by the in- 
tervention of cartilage or ligament; also, the 
385 
ame as xt/miiitw'tt. 
ymphysis (sim'ti-sis), .; pi. symphyses (-sez). 
I = F. symiiliyse, < NL. symphysis, (. Gr. ai'fi^vatf, a 
0129 
part, or configuration of parts, resulting from 
such union or connection, symphysis usually eon. 
stltutes an Immovable joint, and may be so intimate Unit 
all trace of oiicinal s, parateneu of the parts is lost. 
These two eoiKlitions an- illustrated in the human lio,ly 
in the lyinphyslB of the pubic bones and of the two 
halves of the lower jaw respectively: out In nmny ani- 
mals symphyses remain freely movable, as In the two 
halves of (he lower jaw of serpent*. The term Is chiefly 
restricted to the growing together or close apposlti if 
two halves of a bilaterally symmetrical ln,-, or of a bone 
with Its fellow of the opposite side other terms, as an- 
kiiloni, tynottetxir, tynchundrorit, and mturr. being ap- 
plied in other case*. See cuts under inuomiiuirum and 
peleit. (b) Some point or line of union between 
two parts; a commissure; a chiaxm: as, tin- 
fi/Hi/ihysis of the optic nerves, (c) Attachment 
of one part to another; a growing togelher: 
insertion or gomphosis with union: as, the 
,v//m/(/iy.fw of teeth with the jaw. See acro- 
liinit, /i/i iinxlont. (<l) Coalescence or growing 
together of parts so as to close a natural pas- 
sage; atresia. 2. In bot., a coalescence or 
growing together of similar parts niac, Uchl- 
atlc, pubic sympliysis. See the adjectives. - Mental 
sympnysiB, symphysis mandlbulsa, uymphysis 
nienti. the union or apposition of the two halves of the 
lowerjaw-bone; the mldline of the chin In man, the go- 
nys or gonydeal line of a bird, etc. Bymphysls pubis, 
the pubic symphysis. 
symphytism (sim'fi-tizm), H. [< Gr. ol'fifvTor, 
growing together, < av/tfveoOai, crow together: 
see symphysis.] In gram., a coalescence of the 
elements of words. Earlc. 
Symphytum (sim'fi-tum), . [NL. (Tourne- 
fort, 1 700), < L. symphyton,<. Gr. oi>fi<pyrov, plant, 
comfrey, boneset (so named from its reputed 
medicinal power), < (n>//^'e<v,make to grow toge- 
ther: see si/mpltysis.] A genus of gamopetalous 
plants, of the order Boraginacex, tribe Boragex, 
and subtribe Anchttsrte. It Is characterized by a 
broadly tubular corolla with short somewhat erect lobes, 
bearing within five scales and five short stamens with linear 
anthers. About 17 species are known, natives of Europe, 
northern Africa, and western Asia, and occasionally natu- 
ralized elsewhere, as S. oKcinaU in the eastern Vnlted 
States. They are commonly rough erect herbs, sometimes 
with a tuberous root. They bear alternate or mostly radi- 
cal leaves, the uppermost sometimes nearly opposite. The 
flowers are blue, purplish, or yellowish, and form parted 
terminal cymes or simple one-sided racemes. The species, 
especially S. offlciiutte (see cut under aeorpUH'd), are known 
as com/rew. S. tvbrrotum with pale-yellow and .. anperri- 
mmn with light-blue flowers are occasionally cultivated 
for ornament. The latter, the prickly comfrey, is also a 
forage-plant, said to support large Hocks and herds in the 
Caucasus, its native region. It has excited much Interest 
and to some extent been introduced elsewhere, especially 
in Australia ; It Is a hardy plant, yielding heavily, and Is 
relished by cattle after they have become accustomed to 
it, though commonly refused by them at first. 
sympiesometer (sim'pi-e-som'e-ter), n. [Irreg. 
< Gr. av/uritaic, a pressing together (< ov/iint&u', 
press or squeeze together, < aiv, together, + 
mtfrtv, press, squeeze), + ftcrpov, measure.] 1. 
An instrument 
for measuring 
the pressure of 
a current. Two 
tubes are so bent 
that their upper 
parts rise vertically 
above the water. 
The submerged 
parts are bent one 
up the other down 
stream, and are open 
at these ends. The 
vertical parts are 
joined to one tube 
from which the air is 
partially exhausted, 
so that the level of 
the water in both 
tubes can be seen. 
The difference of 
levels shows the 
force of the current. 
2. A form of barometer in which the pressure 
of the atmosphere is balanced partly by the 
weight of a column of liquid and partly by the 
elastic pressure of a confined mass of gas. As 
originally constructed by Adle of Edinburgh, It consists 
of a short inverted siphon-tube, with a bulb blown on the 
end of the longer leg, while the shorter leg is left open. 
The bulb and the upper end of the tube are filled with air 
or hydrogen, and the lower part of the tube with glycerin. 
The pressure of the atmosphere exerted upon the surface 
of the liquid is balanced by the pressure of the inclosed gas 
and by the weight of the column of liquid which is sup- 
ported. The level of the liquid constitutes the reading 
of the Instrument. At each observation the scale is ad- 
justed for the temperature, and an attached thermome- 
ter forms an essential auxiliary. The sympiesometer Is 
more sensitive than the mercurial barometer, but it does 
not so well maintain its constancy, and its readings can- 
not be so accurately corrected and evaluated. An im- 
proved form of the instrument consists essentially of a 
cistern -barometer, with air above the column of liquid 
instead of a vacuum. The r.ieasurement consists in de- 
termining the height of a column of liquid required to 
keep the inclosed air compressed into a standard volume. 
Ity this method of use the theory of the instrument is 
Synipiesoineter, i 
Symplocos 
simplified, and the readings are easily evaluated. Also 
> meter. 
SymplectlC (sim-plek'tik), <i. anil H. [< (ii . 
.T/./,riM, twining together, < ai-/nr/fmii; twine 
or Weave to^elli.-r, '. >-M , ti.J_'etller. + -'/Iktn; 
twine, weave : s, -e /ili< nli . \ I. it. I'laecd in or 
among, or put bet ween, as if ingrained or woven 
in: specifically noting a bone of the lower jaw 
of fishes interposed between others. 
II. a. A bone of the lower jawor mandibtilar 
ardi of some vertebrates, aslishes, between the 
hyomanilibular bone above and the quadrate 
bone below, forming an inferior ossification of 
the suspensorium of the lower jaw, articulated 
or ankyloscd with the quadrate or its represen- 
tative. Also called mesoti/in/nnni-. See cuts 
under iiiil/itiiiiiiadratc and teleimt. 
symplesite (sim'ple-sit), n. [So called in allu- 
sion to its relation to the other minerals named ; 
< Gr. aiv, together, + n-/-vo(iCf"'), bring near, 
mid. come near (< ^.i/aiaf, near), + -ite*.] A 
mineral occurring in monocliuic crystals and 
crystalline aggregates. It is an arseniate of 
ferrous iron, belonging in the group with vivi- 
anite and erythrite. 
Symplocarpeae (sim-plo-kar'pe-e), . pi. [NL. 
(A. Engler, 1879), < Xymplocarpus + -*.] Asub- 
tribe of plants, of the order Araceee and tribe 
Monztci'oitlcee. It Is marked by a subterranean root- 
stock, by leaves distichous when young, spiral when ma- 
ture, by bisexual flowers, and seeds with a large embiyo 
without albumen. It consists of three singular moDO- 
typlc and mostly American genera, of which the largest. 
Lyricliiton, occurring In California, Alaska, Siberia, and 
Japan, produces elliptical leaves reaching 3 feet in length ; 
for the others, see Oruntium and Sytnplocarput. 
Symplocarpus(8im-pl6-kar'pu8j,n. [NL.(8alis- 
bury, 1818), so called with ref. to the union 
of the ovaries into a multiple fruit; short for 
'symplococarpus, < Gr. ai'/iirZonos, interwoven 
(see symploce), + Kapjrof, fruit.] A genus of 
plants, of the order Aracex, type of the subtribe 
Kymplocarpea; ; the skunk-cabbage. It is char- 
acterized by a globose, arching, and hooded persistent 
spathe containing fertile bisexual flowers crowded on a 
nearly globular spadix, each with 
four perianth-segments, four sta- 
mens, and a thick four-angled style 
crowning an ovary with a single cell 
and ovule or with a second empty 
cell. The only species, S. faetidm, 
is a native of America, northeastern 
Asia, and Japan, common in bogs 
and moist places in the eastern or 
central United States from Iowa to 
North Carolina and in Nova Pcotia. 
It is a robust herb with a thick de- 
scending rootstock, producing a 
crown of large ovate and heart-shap- 
ed coriaceous leaves. The streaked 
or mottled spathe rises a few Inches 
above the ground, and incloses a 
comparatively small brownish 
spongy ipadix, which ripens into a 
globose syncarp of berries, each with 
a single large rounded seed filled 
with a solid fleshy embryo. From 
the very large broad leaves, and from 
its odor when bruised, the plant Is 
known as gtttnk-cabbaije (which see, 
under cabbage^). See also drawn- me ieai. 
tiurn, 2. 
symploce (sim'plo-se), n. [< Gr. ov/infon/i, an 
interweaving, interlacing (cf. m'/nr/oxof, inter- 
woven), < ovftirhcKetv, weave together: see sym- 
plectic.] In rhet., the repetition of one word at 
the beginning and another at the end of suc- 
cessive clauses, as in the sentence "Mercy de- 
scended from heaven to dwell on the earth; 
Mercy fled back to heaven and left the earth." 
This figure is a combination of epanaphora and epis- 
trophe (whence the nameX Also, incorrectly, rimploce. 
Take me the two former figures [anaphora and antis- 
trophe) and put them into one, and it is that which the 
Greekes call tyntptcche, . . . and Is a maner of repetition. 
1'uttrnhinn, Arte of Eng. Poesie, p. 166. 
symplocium (sim-plo'si-um), H. fNL. : see 
MMpfoM.1 In bot., the aunulus in the sporan- 
gium of ferns. 
Symplocos (sim'plo-kos), w. [NL. (J. F. Jac- 
quin, 1763), named from the stamens, which 
are highly monadelphous in some species; < Gr. 
oifiir).oKof, interwoven: see symploce.'] A ge- 
nus of gamopetalous plants, of the order Styra- 
CCSP. It is characterized by flowers having numerous sta- 
mens with short anthers and in many rows, and a two- to 
five-celled ovary containing two or rarely four pendulous 
ovules in each cell, and ripening into a fleshy indehiscent 
fruit crowned with the calyx-lobes, and tilled by a sin- 
gle oblong seed having a terete embryo, long radicle, 
and short cotyledons. There are about 165 species, na- 
tives of warmer parts of Asia, Australia, and America, but 
not known in Africa. They are trees or shrubs, often 
smooth, and turning yellowish in drying. They bear al- 
ternate toothed or entire leaves, and axillary racemes or 
spikes, sometimes reduced to a tingle flower. The fruit is 
an oblong or roundish berry or drupe. Several species, with 
yellow, red, or white flowers, are occasionally cultivated. 
i, Flowering Plant of 
SkuDlt-cabbaee (Sym- 
a, the ftpatbe laia 
rn. showing the spa- 
after flowering ; 3, 
