statoblast

American  

[stat-uh-blast] / ˈstæt əˌblæst /

noun

Zoology.

1. (in certain bryozoans) an asexually produced group of cells encased in a chitinous covering that can survive unfavorable conditions, as freezing or drought, and germinate to produce a new colony.

---

statoblast British  

/ ˈstætəʊˌblɑːst /

noun

1. zoology an encapsulated bud produced asexually by certain bryozoans that can survive adverse conditions and that gives rise to a new colony

---

Etymology

Origin of statoblast

1850–55; stato- (combining form of Greek statós standing; akin to status, static ) + -blast

Example Sentences

The lower zoœcium contains a mature free statoblast, the upper one a fixed one.

From Freshwater Sponges, Hydroids & Polyzoa by Annandale, Nelson

Contradictory statements have been made as regards several important points in the development of the statoblast and it is probable that considerable differences exist in different species.

From Freshwater Sponges, Hydroids & Polyzoa by Annandale, Nelson

He found that each statoblast produced in the first instance a single polypide, and that the statoblasts, which were produced in autumn, lay dormant through the winter and germinated in spring.

From Freshwater Sponges, Hydroids & Polyzoa by Annandale, Nelson

Swim-ring A ring of polygonal air-spaces surrounding the statoblast.

From Freshwater Sponges, Hydroids & Polyzoa by Annandale, Nelson

The air-cells are unusually large and extend over a great part of the dorsal surface of the statoblast.

From Freshwater Sponges, Hydroids & Polyzoa by Annandale, Nelson