nematocyst
[ nem-uh-tuh-sist, ni-mat-uh- ]
/ ˈnɛm ə təˌsɪst, nɪˈmæt ə- /
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noun Zoology.
an organ in coelenterates consisting of a minute capsule containing an ejectable thread that causes a sting.
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OTHER WORDS FROM nematocyst
nem·a·to·cys·tic, adjectiveWords nearby nematocyst
nemathecium, nemathelminth, nematic, nemato-, nematocide, nematocyst, Nematoda, nematode, nematodiasis, nematoid, nematology
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2021
Example sentences from the Web for nematocyst
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
nematocyst
/ (ˈnɛmətəˌsɪst, nɪˈmætə-) /
noun
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, adjectiveCollins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
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Medical definitions for nematocyst
nematocyst
[ nĕm′ə-tə-sĭst′, nə-măt′ə- ]
n.
A capsule within specialized cells of certain coelenterates containing a barbed, threadlike tube that delivers a paralyzing sting.
The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary
Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Scientific definitions for nematocyst
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.