mastax

[mas-taks]

noun

1. the muscular pharynx of a rotifer, containing a chewing apparatus.

Word History and Origins

Origin of mastax¹

1850–55; < New Latin < Greek mástax mouth, jaws, akin to masâsthai to chew

Example Sentences

Uncus, ung′kus, n. a hook or claw, or a hook-like process: the head of the malleolus or lateral tooth of the mastax of a wheel-animalcule:—pl.

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Through this opening the water passes, the rotifer gathers his food from the current, and the food passes into the mastax, where it is ground by the masticating apparatus, which is easily seen in motion.

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The eminent naturalist we have named calls the whole organ the mastax, and states that it is composed of dense muscular fibre.

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