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trichocyst

[trik-uh-sist]

noun

Zoology.
  1. an organ of offense and defense embedded in the outer cytoplasm of certain protozoans, consisting of a small elongated sac containing a fine, hairlike filament capable of being ejected.



trichocyst

/ ˈٰɪəˌɪ /

noun

  1. any of various cavities on the surface of some ciliate protozoans, each containing a sensory thread that can be ejected

“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
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Other Word Forms

  • trichocystic adjective
  • ˌٰˈپ adjective
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Word History and Origins

Origin of trichocyst1

First recorded in 1850–55; tricho- + cyst

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tricho-trichogramma