statocyst

[ stat-uh-sist ]

noun

, Zoology.

1. (in certain invertebrates) a sense organ consisting of a sac enclosing sensory hairs and particles of sand, lime, etc., that functions in maintaining equilibrium, serving to indicate position in space.

statocyst

/ ˈstætəʊsɪst /

noun

1. an organ of balance in some invertebrates, such as crustaceans, that consists of a sensory vesicle containing small granules See statolith

Word History and Origins

Origin of statocyst¹

1900–05; stato- ( statoblast ) + -cyst