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choanocyte

American

[koh-uh-nuh-sahyt, koh-an-uh-] / ˈkoʊ ə nəˌsaɪt, koʊˈæn ə- /

noun

Zoology.

one of the flagellated cells lining the inner cavity of a sponge, having a collar of protoplasm encircling the base of the flagellum.

choanocyte British

/ ˈkəʊənəˌsaɪt /

noun

Also called: collar cell. any of the flagellated cells in sponges that maintain a flow of water through the body. A collar of protoplasm surrounds the base of the flagellum

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

choanocytal adjective

Etymology

Origin of choanocyte

1885–90; < Greek choán ( ē ) funnel + -o- + -cyte

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Sponges also have a type of specialized cell called a choanocyte, which resembles choanoflagellates—the single-celled relatives of more complex life.

From Science Magazine

An important part of capturing these little morsels is a specialised type of cell called a choanocyte.

From Scientific American

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023