nematocyst
an organ in coelenterates consisting of a minute capsule containing an ejectable thread that causes a sting.
Origin of nematocyst
1Other words from nematocyst
- nem·a·to·cys·tic, adjective
Words Nearby nematocyst
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
How to use nematocyst in a sentence
The cnidoblasts are the mother-cells of the nematocysts, each cell producing one nematocyst in its interior.
The entire nematocyst is enclosed in the cnidoblast which formed it.
British Dictionary definitions for nematocyst
/ (ˈnɛmətəˌsɪst, nɪˈmætə-) /
a structure in coelenterates, such as jellyfish, consisting of a capsule containing a hollow coiled thread that can be everted to sting or paralyse prey and enemies
Derived forms of nematocyst
- nematocystic, adjective
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
Scientific definitions for nematocyst
[ nĕm′ə-tə-sĭst′, nĭ-măt′ə-sĭst′ ]
One of the minute capsules in the tentacles of cnidarians, such as jellyfish, hydras, or sea anemones, used for stinging. The capsule is produced by a special cell (called a cnidoblast) and contains a tightly coiled barbed thread that quickly shoots forth if the capsule's lid is disturbed. The thread often contains poison.
The American Heritage® Science Dictionary Copyright © 2011. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
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