choanocyte

[koh-uh-nuh-sahyt, koh-an-uh-]

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.

Origin of choanocyte

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

Also called collar cell.

Related formscho·a·no·cyt·al, adjective

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018

British Dictionary definitions for choanocyte

choanocyte

noun

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 flagellumAlso called: collar cell

Word Origin for choanocyte

C19: from Greek khoanē funnel (from khein to pour) + -cyte

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