encyst

[en-sist]

verb (used with or without object)

Biology.

1. to enclose or become enclosed in a cyst.

encyst

/ ɛnˈsɪst /

verb

1. biology to enclose or become enclosed by a cyst, thick membrane, or shell

Other Word Forms

• encystment noun
• encystation noun
• unencysted adjective
• encysted adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of encyst¹

First recorded in 1835–45; en- ¹ + cyst

Example Sentences

Once their target is acquired, they “encyst” near the mouth or anus before injecting themselves into the worm and attacking its internal organs.

From Scientific American

When someone died, it wasn’t quite dying, because in a curious way it seemed scripted, and because they had their lines mostly memorized, irony mixed with tragedy, and because they called it by other names, as if to encyst and destroy the reality of death itself.

From Literature

“Six months for the projectile to encyst before the knee can be opened safely.”

From Literature

The resulting coupled cell or zygote divides into two, which again encyst.

From Project Gutenberg

Encyst, en-sist′, v.t. or v.i. to enclose or become enclosed in a cyst or vesicle.—ns.

From Project Gutenberg