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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

"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

Etymology

Origin of statoblast

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

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

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

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

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

From Freshwater Sponges, Hydroids & Polyzoa by Annandale, Nelson

A=outline of part of zoarium from a stone, � 16; B=outline of the tip of a single zoœcium, � 70; C=free statoblast, � 70.

From Freshwater Sponges, Hydroids & Polyzoa by Annandale, Nelson

Biology.—The first specimen obtained was a statoblast fixed to a tube of the oligoch�te worm Aulophorus tonkinensis taken at Kawkareik in March.

From Freshwater Sponges, Hydroids & Polyzoa by Annandale, Nelson