cnidocyst

noun

cni·​do·​cyst ˈnī-də-ˌsist How to pronounce cnidocyst (audio)
plural cnidocysts
: nematocyst
The stinging cells, or cnidocysts, of sea anemones, jellyfish and other cnidarians work like tiny harpoons when triggered by physical contact.—Colin Barras

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from German Cnidocyste, from Greek knī́dē "nettle, sea nettle" + German -o- -o- + -cyste -cyst — more at cnidarian

First Known Use

1888, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of cnidocyst was in 1888

Dictionary Entries Near cnidocyst

cnidocil

cnidocyst

cnidophore

See More Nearby Entries 

Cite this Entry

“Cnidocyst.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cnidocyst. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.

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