statolith

American  

[stat-l-ith] / ˈstæt l ɪθ /

noun

1. Zoology. any of the granules of lime, sand, etc., contained within a statocyst.

2. Botany. an inclusion, as a starch grain, that by a change in position within the cells of an organ or part is assumed to cause a corresponding change in position of the organ or part.

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statolith British  

/ ˈstætəʊlɪθ /

noun

1. Also called: otolith.  any of the granules of calcium carbonate occurring in a statocyst: movement of statoliths, caused by a change in position of the animal, stimulates hair cells, which convey the information to the brain by nerve fibres

2. any of various movable inclusions, such as starch grains, that occur in plant cells and are thought to function in geotropic responses

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Other Word Forms

• statolithic adjective

Etymology

Origin of statolith

1895–1900; stato- ( see statoblast) + -lith

Example Sentences

Now the team is analyzing a structure inside the squid called the statolith.

From Science Daily • Apr. 23, 2024

In addition to estimating age, microelements contained within the statolith can be used to estimate the ocean condition experienced by the squid at the time that part of the statolith developed.

From Science Daily • Apr. 23, 2024

It should be added that the statolith theory is still sub judice; personally I cannot doubt that it is in the main a satisfactory explanation of the facts.

From Darwin and Modern Science by Seward, A. C. (Albert Charles)