merism
/ˈmɛrɪz(ə)m/noun
1 Biology. The repetition of similar parts, units, or segments within the structure of an organism.
2 Rhetoric. = merismus.
Origin
Late 19th century; earliest use found in William Bateson (1861–1926), biologist. From ancient Greek μερισμός division. Compare -merism, and earlier merismus.