blastocoel

noun

blas·to·coel ˈbla-stə-ˌsēl

variants or blastocoele

: the fluid-filled cavity of a blastula see blastula illustration

blastocoelic

ˌbla-stə-ˈsē-lik

adjective

Word History

Etymology

blasto- + -coel

First Known Use

1875, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of blastocoel was in 1875

See more words from the same year

Cite this Entry

Style

“Blastocoel.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/blastocoel. Accessed 25 Jul. 2025.

Copy Citation

Medical Definition

blastocoel

noun

blas·to·coel

variants or blastocoele

ˈblas-tə-ˌsēl

: the cavity of a blastula

called also segmentation cavity

blastocoelic

ˌblas-tə-ˈsē-lik

adjective

More from Merriam-Webster

Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.

Can you solve 4 words at once?

Word of the Day

sui generis

See Definitions and Examples »

Get Word of the Day daily email!

Popular in Grammar & Usage

'Affect' vs. 'Effect'

A Guide to Using Semicolons

More Words You Always Have to Look Up

Using Bullet Points ( • )

Words You Always Have to Look Up

Popular in Wordplay

blastocoel

noun

Word History

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Medical Definition

More from Merriam-Webster on blastocoel